Gold-Bonded Surface Mount Device (SMD) LED Component
Electronic Scrap (E-Waste Gold) · Industrial High-Purity Yellow Gold Bonding Wire
Purity: 99.9% High Purity (24K equivalent) Gold Bonding Wire and Plating
Type
Electronic Scrap (E-Waste Gold)
Purity
99.9% High Purity (24K equivalent) Gold Bonding Wire and Plating
Gold Type
Industrial High-Purity Yellow Gold Bonding Wire
Weight
Trace milligrams (Requires thousands of units for measurable grams/troy oz)
Description
An individual Surface Mount Device (SMD) Light Emitting Diode (LED). While primarily a functional electronics component, it contains microscopic high-purity 24K gold bonding wires that connect the semiconductor chip to the lead frame. These wires are essential for their corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity.
Key Features
Internal 24K gold wire bonds, copper/silver-plated lead frame, and white thermoplastic housing
Color & Finish
Vivid deep yellow (inner bond wires) with a metallic luster; high-purity industrial finish
Hallmarks & Stamps
No metallurgical hallmarks; visible manufacturer batch markings on original reel or PCB board only
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 5.0mm x 5.0mm (standard 5050 LED package size)
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features a synthetic resin lens and semi-conductor diode chip
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; features solder pads for Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
Chain & Links
Not applicable; utilizes microscopic internal bonding wires (15-50 microns thick)
Craftsmanship Details
Precision automated semiconductor assembly; ultrasonic wedge bonding used for gold wire attachment
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive yellow hue of the internal bond wires visible under magnification; standard industry specs for LED lead-frames
Origin & Maker
Likely East Asian manufacturing (Cree, Osram, or generic generic semiconductor plant)
Era & Period
Contemporary (Information Age, 1990s-Present)
Age Estimate
Circa 2010-2024; consistent with modern consumer electronics manufacturing
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Urban Mining' movement where precious metals are recovered from discarded technology rather than traditional mines.
Condition Notes
Used/Salvaged; appears to be removed from a circuit board with visible solder remnants on the terminals
Value Estimate
Negligible as a single unit (Fraction of a cent); Bulk value approx. $5-$10 per pound of high-grade electronic scrap
Care & Maintenance
Store in a dry environment; requires specialized chemical refining (aqua regia) or cyanide leaching to extract the gold
Similar Items
Integrated Circuit (IC) chips, CPU processors, and gold-plated RAM fingers
Interesting Facts
Gold is used in LEDs because it can be drawn into wires thinner than a human hair while maintaining perfect conductivity and resisting oxidation from the heat generated by the light.