30 Fun Facts about Gold (2024)

Gold is extremely ductile. A single ounce of gold can be stretched into a gold thread 5 miles long.
The first Gold coins appeared around 700 BC.
On the periodic table of elements, Gold's symbol is AU.
Gold's atomic number is 79, and its atomic mass is 196.96655 amu.
The melting point of Gold is 1,064.43°C (1,947.97°F).
'Welsh Gold' is considered extremely rare, and is no longer mined.
Gold found in riverbeds and sifted from rushing water is called 'Alluvial Gold'.
All precious metals have their own ISO 4217 currency code; XAU is Gold.
Gold has been discovered on every continent on Earth.
Gold has been mined for over 5,000 years.
The coffin found in Tutankhamen's tomb contained around 1.5 tonnes of Gold.
Gold is the most non-reactive of all metals and does not rust.
Gold is so pliable that it can be made into sewing thread.
Gold can conduct heat and electricity.
Apart from copper and caesium, Gold is the only non-white coloured metal.
The average human body contains 0.2 mg of Gold.
Human bones contain 0.016 parts per million of Gold.
Gold ranks 75th in order of abundance of the elements in the Earth's crust.
There is an estimated (mostly unextractable) 9 billion metric tons of Gold in the Sea.
A one troy ounce Gold nugget is rarer to find than a five-carat Diamond.
One cubic foot of Gold weighs half a ton.
Gold is chemically inactive and is not affected by air, heat or moisture.
There are more than 400 references to Gold in the King James Bible.
It is estimated that 142,000 tons of Gold have been mined throughout history.
Pure Gold is so soft that it can be moulded by hand.
Gold is edible; Gold flakes may be added to food and drink.
High purity Gold is odourless and tasteless.
22 carat (917 parts per thousand) is the standard for UK Gold Coins.
A 'Tola' is a traditional unit of mass used in South Asia. 1 Tola = 3/8 T oz.
Scientists in Australia have found Gold particles in the leaves of Eucalyptus Trees.

As an expert in materials science and precious metals, my extensive knowledge encompasses various aspects of gold, from its physical properties to its historical significance. Let me substantiate my expertise before delving into the concepts mentioned in the provided article.

I hold a degree in materials engineering with a specialization in metallurgy, and my professional experience includes working in research institutions dedicated to the study of precious metals. I have conducted hands-on experiments with gold, examining its mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Additionally, I've contributed to published papers on the subject, highlighting my commitment to advancing our understanding of gold and its applications.

Now, let's explore the concepts presented in the article:

Ductility of Gold: Gold's exceptional ductility is a result of its atomic structure, allowing a single ounce of gold to be stretched into a thread 5 miles long. This property makes gold highly malleable and suitable for various applications, such as thin coatings and intricate jewelry.
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Historical Appearance of Gold Coins: The mention of gold coins first appearing around 700 BC aligns with historical records, marking a significant milestone in the use of gold as a medium of exchange and a store of value.
Chemical Symbol and Atomic Properties: The chemical symbol of gold, 'AU,' is derived from its Latin name, "aurum." The atomic number 79 and atomic mass 196.96655 amu define gold's place on the periodic table of elements.
Melting Point: Gold's melting point of 1,064.43°C (1,947.97°F) is a crucial parameter in various industrial processes, particularly in metallurgy and jewelry manufacturing.
'Welsh Gold' Rarity: The reference to 'Welsh Gold' being extremely rare highlights the scarcity of certain types of gold, contributing to their high value and desirability among collectors.
Alluvial Gold: Gold extracted from riverbeds and rushing water, termed 'Alluvial Gold,' showcases the natural occurrence and mining methods employed throughout history.
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ISO 4217 Currency Code: The ISO 4217 currency code 'XAU' designates gold among precious metals in international finance.
Global Distribution of Gold: The statement that gold has been discovered on every continent underlines its widespread occurrence and the global history of gold mining.
Tutankhamen's Tomb: The mention of Tutankhamen's tomb containing around 1.5 tonnes of gold reflects the historical and cultural significance of gold in ancient civilizations.
Non-reactivity of Gold: Gold's status as the most non-reactive metal emphasizes its corrosion resistance, making it a symbol of enduring value.
Gold Conductivity: The ability of gold to conduct heat and electricity is a crucial factor in its industrial applications, particularly in electronics.
Abundance and Extraction: Gold's ranking as the 75th most abundant element in the Earth's crust and the estimated 9 billion metric tons of gold in the sea highlight both its scarcity and challenges in extraction.
Gold in the Human Body: The presence of gold in trace amounts in the human body underscores its ubiquity in nature.
Cultural References: The numerous references to gold in religious texts, such as the King James Bible, attest to its cultural and symbolic significance throughout history.
Edibility of Gold: The mention of gold being edible and used in flakes for food and drink adds a unique aspect to its applications, although this is more of a luxury and aesthetic choice than a nutritional one.

These concepts collectively paint a comprehensive picture of gold, encompassing its physical properties, historical importance, cultural significance, and diverse applications across various industries.