Introduction
Gold has fascinated humans for thousands of years. From ancient treasure hoards to modern jewellery, this noble metal has a unique allure. Here are some fascinating facts about gold, its history, properties, and uses.
History and Discovery of Gold
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Gold has been mined on every continent and for over 5,000 years.
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Alluvial gold is gold found in river beds.
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Nuggets are solid gold, but very rare—they make up only 2% of all gold found.
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The largest nuggets came from Victoria, Australia, including “The Hand of Faith,” now displayed in Las Vegas.
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Gold in the sea: billions of tonnes exist, but extraction is uneconomical.
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Most gold on Earth may have arrived via meteors, including Psyche 16, which contains an estimated hundreds of quintillions of dollars worth of gold.
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Historical gold rushes:
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California Gold Rush (1848–49): spurred the famous 49ers.
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South African Gold Rush (1885): began with George Harrison discovering gold while building his house in Johannesburg.
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Chemical element: Au (from Latin Aurum).
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Etymology: The Aztec word for gold translates to “excrement of the gods,” and the word “bullion” comes from “boil,” referring to purifying gold.
Physical Properties of Gold
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Melting point: 1,064°C | Boiling point: 2,808°C
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Gold is the most non-reactive metal; it does not rust.
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Conducts heat and electricity extremely well, making it essential for electronics.
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Naturally yellow, but can be alloyed to create white, red, or rose gold.
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Malleable: one ounce can be stretched into a wire 50 miles long or hammered into a sheet 9 m².
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Soft but durable: pure gold is soft but can be combined with alloys for jewellery.
Gold and Humans
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The average human body contains 0.2 mg of gold.
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Gold is edible but not digested; it can also be used medically, such as in injections to relieve rheumatoid arthritis pain.
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Used in dentistry for hundreds of years.
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Astronauts’ helmets have a thin gold layer to protect from the sun’s glare.
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Famous examples: Tutankhamen’s mask contained over 1.5 tonnes of gold; Elvis had gold-plated car components.
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Jewellery use: Nearly 80% of annual gold supply is made into jewellery.
Gold Coins & Medals
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First coins: 700–500 BC.
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Julius Caesar rewarded soldiers with gold coins after victories.
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1933 Double Eagle $20 coin: only 20 made; one sold for $7.89 million.
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World’s largest gold coin: 80 cm wide, 1 ton, made by the Perth Mint (2012).
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Olympic medals: solid gold until 1912; now silver with at least 6g of gold coating.
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Nobel Prize medals: originally 23-carat gold; now 18-carat gold coated in 23-carat.
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Fort Knox: famous gold reserve; heavily guarded with no single person holding full access.
Gold in Jewellery
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Gold is durable, malleable, and hypoallergenic, ideal for rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches.
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Alloying creates different colours: white, rose, and red gold.
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Can hold gemstones in settings like channel or bezel, though pure gold is too soft for claw settings.
FAQs – Gold Facts
Q: Is gold edible?
A: Yes, gold can be consumed in very small amounts but passes through the digestive system without being absorbed.
Q: Does gold rust or tarnish?
A: No, gold is the most non-reactive metal and does not rust or corrode.
Q: Can gold be alloyed to create different colours?
A: Yes, white, red, and rose gold are made by mixing pure gold with other metals.
Q: Why is gold used in electronics and astronaut gear?
A: Because gold conducts electricity efficiently and protects against corrosion and sunlight.
Q: What makes gold valuable today?
A: Rarity, historical significance, and use in jewellery, technology, and finance
Shop Gold Jewellery at Carathea & Jools
Discover our stunning gold rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches, combining timeless beauty with craftsmanship.
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