Natural Gold
Gold has fascinated people for centuries. It has been used in religious ceremonies, jewelry, coins and decorations - its wealth and luster speak to its power. This solid gold is actually an element; a chemical known as Au or atomic number 79 in the periodic table. The element is called a transition metal, meaning its electrons can transition from one orbit to another in the atom structure. Gold has long been viewed as a sign of wealth, luxury and royalty - likely due to its rarity and unusual color.
Gold is found as small nuggets in nature, as well as in veins and deposits. Mining for it can be done on a large scale or even in small basins near hills and in riverbeds. Some of the gold mined is used in industrial processes, and some is used to form jewelry and coins.
Gold is a fairly malleable metal. It is often used in jewelry pieces because it can be cast, hammered, soldered, and stamped. It is also resistant to corrosion, so jewelry and coins created from gold often remain in pristine condition for generations. Gold is also ductile, meaning it can be drawn into thin wires.
Gold is also highly conductive, meaning it transmits electricity and heat well. This makes it ideal for use in products that use electronics or have to keep sensitive components at a constant temperature. For example, many satellites and electronic components are lined with gold to keep them functioning properly.
The most common forms of gold found in nature are in the form of an alloy, or a combination of elements that include gold. The bond between the other elements and the gold can make the gold more resistant to being scratched or melted. Gold is often alloyed with other metals, such as silver and copper, to strengthen the metal and give the final product a different color.
Gold has a variety of applications and is incorporated into a range of products. From jewelry to coins to electronics, gold plays a role in how we experience the world. Its wealth, rarity, and malleability make it one of the most desired and sought-after elements on the planet.
