Gold-Plated Computer Component (USB-C or Micro-USB Connector Housing)
Electronic Scrap (E-Waste) · Yellow Gold (Industrial Flash Plating); hardened with trace amounts of cobalt or nickel for wear resistance
Purity: Gold-Plated (Flash Plating); typically 99.9% purity gold but applied in a layer thinner than 1 micron (approx. 0.03-0.1% of total weight)
Type
Electronic Scrap (E-Waste)
Purity
Gold-Plated (Flash Plating); typically 99.9% purity gold but applied in a layer thinner than 1 micron (approx. 0.03-0.1% of total weight)
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Industrial Flash Plating); hardened with trace amounts of cobalt or nickel for wear resistance
Weight
0.1 to 0.3 grams total weight
Description
This is a gold-plated metal shield or housing from a common electronic connector, likely a USB-C or micro-USB port. In the electronics industry, gold is used for its superior conductivity and resistance to corrosion on contact points. This item is considered 'e-scrap' and is collected by refiners to reclaim the microscopic layer of gold covering the base metal (typically brass or steel).
Key Features
Industrial stamping, protective gold-flash coating, mounting tabs/pins at the top, and rectangular locking apertures in the center
Color & Finish
Pale yellow metallic color with a semi-matte industrial finish; shows characteristic light reflection of gold plating over a base metal
Hallmarks & Stamps
None; industrial components do not carry jewelry-grade karat stamps. It may have internal manufacturer batch codes not visible in the image
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 8mm x 6mm x 2mm; consistent with standard mobile device charging ports
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features rectangular structural cutouts and plastic/ceramic internal insulators (partially visible)
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; features solder pins for PCB (Printed Circuit Board) mounting
Chain & Links
Not applicable; industrial housing construction
Craftsmanship Details
Precision precision-stamped metal alloy with electrolytic gold-flash plating; designed for high-volume automated assembly.
Authentication Indicators
The uniform yellow color on a non-jewelry functional shape suggests industrial plating; lack of oxidation despite rough handling indicates the presence of a gold surface layer.
Origin & Maker
Likely East Asian electronics manufacturer (e.g., Foxconn, Hirose, or Amphenol); mass-produced for the consumer electronics market
Era & Period
Contemporary (Information Age, 2010s-Present)
Age Estimate
Circa 2015-2023; based on the design of modern high-speed data connectors
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes the 'Urban Mining' movement where precious metals are reclaimed from discarded technology rather than traditional earth mining.
Condition Notes
Fair (Scrap Grade). The part has been desoldered or torn from a circuit board, resulting in bent pins and structural deformation. This is not jewelry and has no decorative value.
Value Estimate
Negligible as a single unit ($0.01 - $0.05 USD). Significant value only exists in bulk quantities (kilograms/tons) for industrial refining.
Care & Maintenance
Not applicable; this is a scrap item intended for chemical recycling/refining.
Similar Items
Gold-plated CPU pins, RAM 'fingers', and high-end audio/video connector jacks (RCA/HDMI).
Interesting Facts
The electronics industry consumes roughly 7-10% of the world's gold annually because gold does not oxidize, ensuring a reliable electrical connection over thousands of uses.