Articles of Faith, pg. 237; “The Plates of the Book of Mormon as delivered by the angel Moroni to Joseph Smith, according to the description given by the latter-day prophet, were, as far as he knew, of gold, of uniform size, each about seven inches wide by eight inches long, and in thickness a little less than that of ordinary sheet tin. They were fastened together by three rings running through the plates near one edge; together they formed a book nearly six inches in thickness, but not all has been translated, a part having been sealed. Both sides of the plates were engraved with small characters, described by those who examined them as of curious workmanship, with the appearance of ancient origin.” – James Talmage

Luke 11:33-36; “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.  34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.  35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.  36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.”

According to Joseph’s claims of the golden plates, independent reports say the plates should have weighed over 200 pounds. Smith lifting and walking around with these things must have been a feat indeed considering Smith weighed around 185 pounds and was 6’ tall.

To be fair, there are many accounts of other witnesses who claim they weighed roughly 40-60 lbs.

Question, were they really made of gold and whose account is correct?  All witnesses publicly admit they never saw the plates, but through a linen frock Smith kept wrapped around his “find”