What is Gold?
Gold is a chemical element naturally found in nature, symbolized by "AU" with an atomic number of 79. Its specific gravity is 19.32 grams per cubic centimeter. Gold is a noble metal, meaning it does not corrode (tarnish) and remains shiny under most conditions.
Evidence of human use of gold dates back thousands of years before recorded history. It holds significant cultural symbolism in Greek mythology and the Bible, featuring in various narratives as a precious metal of utmost value.
Ancient Egypt also held a strong affinity for gold, considering it a prestigious metal symbolizing status, culture, and religious beliefs. Numerous archaeological excavations in Egypt have unearthed many gold artifacts such as masks, jewelry, and even the gilding of mummies' tongues to enable communication with gods in the afterlife.
Sources of Gold
According to scientific estimates, gold was formed in outer space due to star collisions and came to Earth through meteorite impacts. Natural gold exists in various forms and deposits worldwide, including in sea beds and in wastewater.
Today, China leads global gold production, followed by Australia, the United States, South Africa, and Russia.
Forms of Gold
Pure gold (24K) is traded in various conventional forms:
- Gold bullion – also known as "gold bars" available in different weights.
- Gold coins, gold flakes, and gold threads.
Uses of Gold
Throughout history and across cultures, gold has been utilized extensively:
- Besides jewelry, it is widely used in technology, electronics, and industry due to its high thermal and electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
- Historically, gold served as common currency, primarily in gold coins across various nations. Today, it is mainly used for numismatic and investment purposes.
- In cosmetics and makeup worldwide, a variety of products include gold particles, believed to offer numerous cosmetic benefits.
- In the food and beverage industry, luxurious products feature gold flakes, such as garnished dishes or even wine with gold flakes, representing luxury and gourmet dining.
Gold Purity and Alloys
Pure gold (24K) is very soft, requiring alloying with other metals to create "alloys" that enhance its durability and color:
- Karat (K) denotes the percentage of pure gold in the alloy:
- 24K – Purest gold, containing approximately 99.9% pure gold.
- 22K – Contains about 91.7% pure gold.
- 18K – Contains about 75% pure gold.
- 14K – Contains about 58.3% pure gold.
- 12K – Contains about 50% pure gold.
- 10K – Contains about 41.7% pure gold.
- 9K – Contains about 37.5% pure gold.
Choosing Gold for Jewelry
The popular choice for jewelry varies by country based on demand and price. As pure gold is very soft, higher karat alloys tend to be less durable. Therefore, 14K and 18K gold are recommended for jewelry due to their durability against scratches and affordability.
What Qualifies as Gold?
Each country defines its own standard, specifying the minimum percentage of pure gold in the alloy to classify it as "gold." For example, in the United States, the minimum is 10K, while in most of Europe and Israel, it is 9K.
Different Gold Colors
Pure gold naturally appears yellow. The color of gold alloys is determined by the metals added to the alloy:
- White gold contains metals like nickel, copper, and zinc.
- Rose gold includes silver and copper, imparting its pinkish hue.
- Yellow gold includes copper and zinc.
Over the years, less popular gold colors have also been developed, such as:
- Black gold – with cobalt.
- Green gold – with silver.
- Purple gold – with aluminum.
- Blue gold – with iron.
Gold Prices
Gold prices fluctuate daily and are influenced by global factors such as oil prices, the dollar exchange rate, political stability, investor sentiment, and supply and demand. In recent years, gold prices have reached record highs.
For current gold prices worldwide and historical data, visit a recommended site that provides easy access to gold price graphs across different times and countries: [GoldPrice.org](https://goldprice.org/).