Gold
Au (Aurum)
Getting to Know Gold
Gold is a very known chemical element, with the symbol Au coming from a Latin word, Aurum, meaning "shining dawn". Gold in its purest or natural form is a malleable, soft, and reddish yellow. Besides Jewelry, which is the most common use for gold, there are other ways we have used this resourced. People use gold for financing and investing, since it has such a high value because gold is so rare, this precious metal makes a natural currency, and has for at least 6,000 years. In an uncertain economy, gold has emerged as a possible financial staple giving people a sense of security. Gold is also used in the medicine and in dentistry. Gold has been known for its great fillings it gives, crowns, bridges and orthodontic appliances because the metal is chemically inert, easy to insert. Gold has been used in dentistry since 700 B.C. and will probably continue to be the best option for replacing broken or missing teeth. In the medical field, small amounts of gold isotopes are used in certain radiation treatments and diagnosis. The form of gold used in the medical treatments is not solid gold, but the gold is in a liquid state.