Gold

Basic Gold Information

1. Element Symbol: Au

2. Atomic Number: 79

3. Atomic Weight: 196.97

4. Group/Period: 11/6

5. Color: Metallic: yellow

6. Classification: Metallic

History of Gold

Nobody knows who picked up a gold nugget for the first time but it has been a highly valued metal since it was discovered. Gold is one of the first metals known and is the basis of currencies in many countries. Gold is highly valuable so in the past people seeked gold during the South African(1885) And California(1948) Gold Rush. Overtime a hallmarking system was made to determine the quality of precious metals like gold.

Gold Uses

Gold is used in many different ways. For example, gold was first used in dentistry in 700-600 BC because of its bio-compatibility, malleability, and corrosion resistance. Also, the gold isotope 198Au is used in the medical field to treat cancer, etc. Another way gold is used is for electronics because of its inertness and other physical properties. Lastly, Gold is mostly used for jewelry because it is a precious metal.

Description/ Biological and Geological Uses

Gold is a shiny yellow metal that is highly malleable/ductile. It is a heavy metal with a density of 19.93g cm3. Biologically, gold is not a necessary element for living things but it is in a person's body(100 ppb by weight). Geologically, 2/3 of the Earth's supply of gold is found in South Africa and there is 0.06 ppb by weight in the world.

Properties/ Other Interesting Facts

1. Melting Point: 1064.18 °C (1947.52 °F) Boiling Point: 2856 °C (5173 °F)

2. Very good conductor of heat and electricity.

3. Gold can be found in sea water

4. The San Fransisco "49's" are named after the gold-seekers during the California Gold Rush

Paul Kim

Only for rich people!