FEATURED ARTICLE:
Facts About Gold
Gold is an element on the periodic table (atomic number 79). Its symbol is "AU" from the Latin word for gold - aurum. Gold is considered to be a metal and is extremely dense compared to most metals. It is also very shiny as well as soft, malleable and ductile. It has a bright yellow color and does not rust. In nature it usually exists in its pure form as flakes, small pebbles or larger pieces often called nuggets. Occasionally it occurs in minerals as gold compounds.
The chemistry of gold is quite unique. Gold resists most acids but it can be dissolved by aqua regina (nitro - hydrochloric acid) alkaline solutions of cyanide. This has been useful in gold mining operations. Gold does not dissolve in nitric acid like silver and base metals. This fact has been used for centuries as a test to confirm the presence of gold and has given us the term the "acid test".
Gold has played an important role in human history. Even before recorded history gold was highly sought after being found in the most ancient jewelry. A gold standard has been the most common basis for monetary systems throughout human history. Gold coins go back to the beginning of civilization. The desire for gold has ignited raids, wars and subjugations of entire populations. Gold fever has sent men on long journeys of exploration. Attempts to produce gold inspired alchemy which eventually led to the development of modern chemistry. Gold has been a part of many religious beliefs and ceremonies over the centuries.
It is estimated that about 165,000 tons of gold have been found or mined in human history. This is over five billion ounces. If it could be put in one place it would be a gigantic cube about 75 feet on each side. About half of the gold produced today is used in jewelry including bracelets, chains, necklaces, pins and rings especially wedding rings. The other half is primarily made into monetary forms (coins and bars) with about 10 percent used in industry primarily in electrical, electronic and medical products. In the medical field mostly is used in dentistry.
The price of gold has dramatically risen in recent years. After it first reached a thousand dollars an ounce in the early 1980s, it fell back before its most recent rise. In 2011 it almost reached $2000 an ounce. This has fueled gold fever again as we search the world for new sources of the shiny metal.
