Gold has been a precious metal for centuries, valued for its rarity, beauty, and usefulness. It’s no wonder that gold has been part of human history since ancient times and is a valuable asset in the modern world. Here are ten interesting facts about gold that you may not have known.
Gold Exploration—Interesting Facts About Gold
Gold exploration is discovering new gold deposits and determining their feasibility. Gold has been mined for so long, and its importance to human society has only grown over time. It is a precious metal used for currency, jewelry, and other applications.
The exploration of gold is an exciting process that has yielded many interesting facts about the metal. Here are some of the more interesting facts about gold exploration and gold itself:
Gold Is A Dense Metal on Earth
Gold is a dense metal with a density of 19.3 g/cm³. In comparison, iron has a density of 7.9 g/cm³. The thickness of gold makes it ideal for use in jewelry, as it is durable and resistant to wear and tear. It also makes gold an excellent choice for use in electronics, as it is an excellent conductor of electricity.
Gold Is A Chemical Element
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au, one of the least reactive chemical elements. It does not corrode, rust, or tarnish, making it ideal for jewelry and other decorative items. Gold is also used in other applications, such as medicine and electronics.
Gold Is A Rare Metal
Gold is a rare metal, and it is estimated that only 190,000 tonnes of gold have been mined throughout history. This may sound like a lot, but it becomes clear how rare this metal is when the total amount of gold ever mined would fit into a cube with sides measuring just 20 meters.
Gold Is A Good Conductor of Electricity
Gold is an excellent conductor of electricity, and it is used in various electronic applications, such as in computers and cell phones. Gold is also used in the aerospace industry, as it is an excellent conductor of heat and is corrosion-resistant.
Gold Is A Valuable Investment
Gold is a valuable investment, often used to hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Since it has been used as money for so long, gold is a highly prized commodity today. The value of gold has increased by over 450% in the last 20 years.
Biggest Gold Nugget Found Was Almost 200 Pounds
The largest gold nugget was discovered in Australia in 1869, weighing over 200 pounds. The lump was named the Welcome Stranger, and it was discovered by two miners using a hand-operated cradle to sift through the soil.
Gold Has Been Used in Medicine for Centuries
Gold has been used in medicine for thousands of years and is still used today to treat various conditions. Gold is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and it is also used in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Purity of Gold Is Measured in Carats
The purest form of gold is 24 carats, which are used to measure the purity of gold. Gold is frequently alloyed with other metals like copper and silver to make it more robust and resistant to deterioration. The most often used gold alloys in jewelry are 14- and 18-carat gold.
Gold Is Found in Seawater, But It Is Not Economically Viable to Extract It
Gold is found in seawater, but the concentration is deficient, at around 0.1 to 2 parts per billion. While it is technically possible to extract gold from seawater, it is not economically viable.
US Holds the Largest Gold Reserves in The World
The United States has the largest gold reserves in the world, with over 8,000 tonnes of gold in its accounts. Other countries with large gold reserves include Germany, Italy, and France.
Conclusion
Gold is a fascinating metal with a rich history and various uses. From its density and conductivity to its use in medicine and electronics, gold remains a valuable asset in the modern world. Whether you’re a collector, an investor, or simply a fan of beautiful jewelry, gold is a metal that is sure to capture your imagination.
Innovative businesswoman Janet Sheriff contributes to start-ups, new companies, and the mining & exploration sectors with her vast experience in strategic planning, management, indigenous affairs, and communications. Discover more about gold exploration by checking out our podcast today!
