What is your first thought when you hear the word gold? Likely, you think of gold bars, coins, or jewelry, but is that all gold truly is? Gold has been a part of our human obsession virtually forever and that fascination has never gone away. Today, gold is prized for its versatility in a variety of products, but what else is there to this amazing, natural element? Let’s find out more about gold.
The Only True Yellow Metal
The color of gold is striking and seems to ooze with opulence, but aren’t other metals yellow as well? No, in fact, gold is the only metal found in nature that is yellow. Other metals must be mixed to have the same hue as gold does naturally.
Why is the Element Symbol for Gold Au?
The periodic table is a little odd when it comes for element symbols, but the symbol for gold makes perfect sense when you know where it originated from. Au is a shortened version of Aurum which is the Latin name for gold. It means Shining Dawn, as ancient people attributed gold to the color of the sun.
Gold is Non-Toxic
Many metals within the periodic table are highly reactive and toxic. Gold is not and that is part of the reason it has been used for so many things throughout history. Gold can actually be eaten and gold flakes are often used in food. Restaurants use gold flakes as toppings for desserts and main dishes to increase their indulgent factor to patrons.
Nobel Metal
Gold is considered a Nobel Metal. This sounds very regal and important, and it truly is. Gold is one of the few metals that do not react with other elements making it easier to mine. It is also a non-corrosive metal and cannot be dissolved by general acid like other metals in the periodic table. The only acid that can dissolve gold is aqua regia which is a special mix of acids that specifically targets gold.
Does Gold Have a Flavor?
No, pure gold does not have a flavor. Gold that is mixed with other metals often has a flavor. That is why you see people taste gold to check if its real in older movies. So, even though gold is used in food, it doesn’t actually add any flavor content to the dish.
Gold is Highly Malleable
Gold can be made into a variety of different things from elements in electronics to the opulent gold necklace around your neck. The metal is so malleable, a 1 ounce piece can be beaten and flattened into a 300 square foot sheet of pure gold. When gold is beaten to this level, it can become almost transparent and may appear greenish or blue in color.
Gold is everywhere we look, if we are willing to look hard enough. Gold is used across the world and selling gold will never go out of style. Gold buyers and gold buying is something that has remained throughout history and will continue in our future. Gold is and will always be a valuable metal and now you know just a bit more about it.