Gold has been a sign of wealth and power for thousands of years and has greatly affected human history. Its beauty and scarcity make it highly valued, often worn by ancient kings and queens in beautiful jewelry. Gold has also influenced economies and empires.
Today, gold is still significant. It is used in modern technology, like smartphones and space travel, and is seen as a safe investment during tough financial times. It is traded all over the world and is appreciated in many cultures.
This article will explore 20 surprising facts about gold that show its amazing history and its role today.
Gold’s Atomic Number
Gold has an atomic number of 79, which is a key scientific concept that defines the element. This atomic number indicates that gold has 79 protons in its nucleus.
Protons are positively charged particles, and the number of protons determines the identity of an element.
The World’s Largest Gold Bullion Bar
The biggest gold bar ever made weighs 250 kilograms (551 pounds) and is made of 99.999% pure gold. Mitsubishi Materials Corporation in Japan created it in 2005, and it is now on display at the Toi Gold Museum.
This huge bar is very valuable, worth millions of dollars. It measures 45.5 cm long, 22.5 cm wide, and 17 cm high, highlighting the beauty and weight of gold.
It’s a record-breaker that attracts visitors who want to see just how big and heavy a piece of pure gold can get. This unique bar isn’t just a piece of metal—it’s a reminder of gold’s timeless worth.
Gold’s Cosmic Origin
Did you know that every bit of gold on Earth came from outer space? Billions of years ago, neutron stars collided, creating the gold we use today. These cosmic events scattered gold across the universe, and it eventually landed on Earth.
So, whether it’s a gold ring or a coin, you’re holding a piece of the stars. This connection to space makes gold even more special—something truly out of this world.
Gold Inside the Human Body
Believe it or not, there is gold inside your body! Although it’s a very tiny amount, gold is present in our blood and helps with important functions. It plays a role in maintaining healthy joints and supporting the brain’s electrical signals.
While the amount is small, i.e. average person weighing about 70 kilograms has approximately 0.2 milligrams of gold within them, it shows how even our bodies use this amazing metal in ways we’re just beginning to understand.
Gold Recovery from Electronics
Gold is found in small amounts in almost every smartphone, computer, and tablet. Gold is a great conductor, and it helps these devices run smoothly. To avoid waste, big companies like Apple have started recycling gold from old electronics.
By recovering gold, they help save resources and reduce the need for more mining. This recycling process is becoming more common and plays a big role in helping the environment.
The Composition of Olympic Gold Medals
Many people believe that Olympic gold medals are made of pure gold, but that’s not the case. In reality, these medals contain only about 6 grams of gold, with the rest being silver. The medals are mostly made of silver because pure gold is too soft for everyday wear.
For example, the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medals weigh around 529 grams, with only about 6 grams of that being actual gold
The Hidden Gold of the Oceans
The world’s oceans hold an estimated 20 million tons of dissolved gold, spread across the waters in tiny particles. Although this sounds impressive, extracting this gold is extremely difficult and expensive due to how diluted it is.
Scientists seek ways to harvest ocean gold, but until the technology improves, they will largely keep this treasure out of reach.
Gold is Rarer Than Steel
Gold is much rarer than common metals like steel, which is why people value it so highly. Producing gold requires intense mining and careful extraction, unlike steel, which is easier to find and make in large amounts.
This rarity and the challenging process of mining are major reasons why gold remains more valuable and sought after than many other metals.
Extraterrestrial Gold
Asteroids like Eros contain large amounts of gold, possibly more than all the gold ever mined on Earth. NASA has studied the potential for mining asteroids in the future, which could unlock access to vast quantities of space gold.
While asteroid mining is still in the early stages, the idea opens up exciting possibilities for exploring and expanding gold resources beyond our planet.
Gold’s Impressive Melting and Boiling Point
Gold has a melting point of 1064°C (1947°F) and a boiling point of 2808°C (5076°F). These high temperatures are significant because they enable artisans to shape and mold gold without losing its integrity.
Melting point means that jewelers can easily work with gold to create intricate designs, while the boiling point indicates that it can withstand extreme conditions without evaporating. These properties make gold ideal for both artistic and industrial uses.
South Africa’s Dominance in Gold Production
Historically, South Africa has been a major player in the gold production industry, contributing a significant percentage of the world’s gold supply.
AngloGold Ashanti operates the Mponeng Gold Mine, which holds the title of the deepest operating mine in the world, reaching depths of over 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles).
This mine has a rich history and has produced millions of ounces of gold, making it vital to both local and global economies.
Recently, Harmony Gold Mining announced plans to extend Mponeng’s life by investing $410 million, ensuring its continued operation for many more years while maintaining South Africa’s status in gold production.
Australia’s Million-Dollar Gold Coin
Australia has made headlines with its creation of a gold coin weighing 1 tonne (about 2,204 pounds) and valued at over $50 million.
Produced by the Perth Mint, this coin holds the title of the world’s largest legal-tender coin. Its impressive size and value showcase Australia’s capabilities in gold production and craftsmanship.
Apple’s Gold Recycling Efforts
Apple has been at the forefront of recycling efforts, recovering tons of gold from old electronics through their recycling programs. By using advanced technology, they can extract valuable materials while reducing electronic waste.
This not only benefits the environment but also provides economic value by reclaiming precious resources that people would otherwise lose.
The Gold on Asteroid Psyche
Another exciting development is the discovery that Asteroid Psyche contains vast amounts of gold and other precious metals.
NASA plans to explore Psyche shortly with missions aimed at understanding its composition and potential for mining.
This exploration could open new frontiers for resource acquisition beyond Earth, making asteroid mining a possibility for future generations.
Gold’s Non-toxic Nature
Gold is chemically inert, meaning it doesn’t react easily with other substances. This property makes gold safe and non-toxic, so doctors use it in medical implants, dentists use it in dental work, and chefs use it in edible decorations.
Unlike many metals, gold does not cause allergic reactions in most people, making it a popular choice for body piercings and dental work.
Recent studies have shown that gold nanoparticles are also low in toxicity, allowing for their use in various medical treatments without harmful side effects.
Gold and Infrared Radiation
Gold effectively reflects infrared radiation, which is why engineers use it to protect satellites and space equipment from intense heat.
This reflective quality helps maintain temperature control in space, preventing equipment from overheating.
Gold as a Treatment for Arthritis
Gold compounds have been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
While newer drugs are available, gold injections once played a vital role in relieving joint pain and inflammation for those with severe arthritis. As research progresses, gold’s potential in medical treatments could expand further.
Famous Gold Nuggets
Cornish miners John Deason and Richard Oates discovered one of the most legendary gold nuggets in history, the “Welcome Stranger,” in Australia in 1869.
Weighing an incredible 2316 troy ounces (72.3 kg), it remains one of the largest gold nuggets ever found.
Malleability and Ductility
People recognize gold for its malleability and ductility, which means they can easily shape and stretch it without breaking. This property allows jewelers to create intricate designs and thin wires from gold.
You can stretch a single ounce of gold into a wire that is 50 miles long! This ability to be molded makes gold a favorite for both jewelry-making and industrial applications.
Fun Fact: Gold’s Potential to Wrap the World
If we drew all the gold ever mined into a wire just 5 microns thick, we could circle the Earth an astonishing 11.2 million times. This mind-boggling possibility underscores gold’s unique properties, from its ductility to its timeless value.