Gold is one of the most fascinating and valuable metals on the planet. Here are 10 fun facts about gold that you probably didn’t know:
Gold in Space
Scientists have discovered that two neutron stars colliding in space produce a huge explosion known as a kilonova, releasing gold and other heavy elements. These cosmic events happen once every few hundred thousand years, making gold incredibly rare and valuable.
Edible Gold
Gold is safe to eat and is often added to desserts like cakes and chocolates as decoration. It is also used in luxury food items such as a gold leaf, gold-covered popcorn, and gold-flecked liqueurs.
Largest Gold Nugget
The “Welcome Stranger” nugget, discovered in Australia in 1869, is the largest gold nugget ever found, weighing in at a whopping 2316 troy ounces (72.02 kilograms). It was discovered by two prospectors who were digging for gold and is now on display in the Melbourne Museum.
Gold in High-Tech Applications
Gold is an excellent conductor of electricity and is often used in electronics and other high-tech applications because it doesn’t corrode or tarnish like other metals. It is also used in dental fillings and other medical devices because it is biocompatible and doesn’t cause allergic reactions.
History of Gold as Currency
Gold was first used as currency in 700 BC by the Lydians in what is now Turkey, and it was widely used as currency until the 20th century. Today, gold is still used as a store of value and as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.
Malleability of Gold
Gold is incredibly malleable, and one ounce (28.35 grams) of gold can be stretched into a wire that is 50 miles (80.47 kilometers) long or hammered into a sheet that is as thin as 0.0001 inches (0.00254 millimeters). This makes gold an ideal material for jewelry and other decorative items.
Karatage and Purity of Gold
The purity of gold is measured in karats, with 24 karat gold being pure. The most common karatages used for jewelry are 22K, 18K, 14K, 10K and 9K. These karatages indicate the amount of pure gold in the alloy and the other metals used to strengthen and color the gold.
US Gold Reserve
The United States holds the largest gold reserve in the world, with approximately 147.3 million ounces (4,583 metric tons) of gold stored in Fort Knox, Kentucky. The US government began storing gold at Fort Knox in 1937, and the vault is now one of the most secure locations in the world.
Medical Uses of Gold
Gold has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. It is also used in some cancer treatments and is being studied for its potential to treat other diseases.
Etymology of “Gold”
The word “gold” comes from the Old English word “geolu,” which means yellow. Gold is known for its distinctive yellow color, which has been associated with wealth and prestige throughout history. It is also one of the few elements that is not a silvery color in its pure form.
In conclusion
We hope these 10 fun and fascinating facts about gold have given you a new appreciation for this precious metal. From its origins in space to its use in medical treatments and culinary creations, gold continues to captivate and inspire us. So the next time you see a piece of gold jewelry or a gold bar, you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge about this shimmering metal.