Convert Ounce to Carat

The ounce traces its origins to ancient Roman times, where it was based on the uncia, which was 1/12 of a Roman pound (libra). The term "ounce" comes from the Latin "uncia", meaning one-twelfth. In medieval Europe, the ounce evolved as a standardized unit of weight, especially in trade. By the 14th century, the Avoirdupois ounce became the standard for most goods in England, which is equivalent to about 28.35 grams. This measurement was later adopted in the United States and other countries using the imperial system.

The carat originated from the use of the carob seed (from the Ceratonia siliqua tree) as a reference for weight in ancient times. These seeds were used because of their relatively consistent weight, and they were widely available across regions. The term "carat" comes from the Greek word "keration", which means "little horn," referring to the carob seed. Over time, the carat became standardized, and in 1907, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) defined the carat as 200 milligrams, ensuring consistency in the measurement of gemstones worldwide.