5 Interesting Facts About Gold You May Not Know!

When we think of gold, we often immediately associate it with expensive jewelry, but few people know that gold has many important uses and is widely used in various fields. Here are some interesting facts about gold that you may not know.

1. Where does gold come from?

Gold, like many other elements, not only exists on our planet but also appears on many other planets in the universe. The origin of gold comes from catastrophic explosions in space. When a star runs out of nuclear fuel or collides with another star, it creates an extremely powerful explosion, releasing a huge amount of energy. Debris from these explosions is widely scattered across the universe, carrying heavy elements like gold.

2. How does gold formed?

According to research by scientists at the University of Queensland (Australia), gold primarily forms through processes involving earthquakes and water. When an earthquake occurs, geological faults create numerous gaps on the Earth’s surface, allowing water to quickly flow into these openings. The sudden drop in pressure increases the rate of water evaporation, causing gold particles present in this environment to precipitate immediately. Over a long period, this repeated process leads to the formation of sedimentary gold layers. To produce 100 tons of gold would require at least 100,000 years.

3. What is gold’s rarity ranking?

Although gold is often regarded as a rare and valuable metal, it is actually not the rarest metal on Earth. In the periodic table, gold ranks 58th out of 92 elements in terms of rarity. This means there are many elements rarer than gold, such as osmium, rhodium, and iridium.

4. Where is gold found in the world?

Gold has been discovered on all seven continents. According to scientists, around 80% of the gold on Earth remains unexplored and could be located deep underground. Additionally, it is estimated that the oceans contain a total of 10 billion tons of gold. However, it is so diluted that it cannot be extracted.

5. What fields is gold used in?

• Jewelry:
  This is the most common use of gold. Thanks to its malleability and resistance to oxidation, gold is an ideal choice for crafting intricate and detailed jewelry pieces such as rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. In this field, gold is often used in alloy form to ensure that the final product is not only beautiful but also durable.
• Interior Decoration:
  Gold is also used in interior decoration, conveying luxury and elegance in living spaces. Gold leaf is applied to ceilings, walls, and decorative or household items.
• Food:
  Gold used in food differs from gold in jewelry. Edible gold is pure (24 karat), free of harmful chemicals, and certified by food regulatory organizations. Gold leaf or powder, which is tasteless, is often used for decoration, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to dishes.
• Beauty:
  Gold has become a popular ingredient in the beauty industry thanks to its outstanding benefits. With antioxidant properties and the ability to stimulate circulation, gold extract is used in high-end skincare products like masks, serums, and creams. These products help improve skin radiance and elasticity, giving the skin a firm, healthy glow.
• Medicine:
  The radioactive gold isotope Au-198 is used in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, certain gold compounds are used in treating rheumatoid arthritis, dental implants, and gold is an ideal material for surgical devices and instruments.
• Electronics:
  Gold’s excellent conductivity, thermal properties, and stability make it widely used in the electronics industry. Gold or “gold salts” act as a protective coating and connector for tiny parts in electronic devices like computers, mobile phones, and even microelectronics.
• Currency:
  Gold has played a key role in the global financial system. Many countries still hold gold as part of their foreign reserves, and it remains a safe, long-term investment channel for individual investors.

Thus, gold is not only a precious metal used to make jewelry and symbolize luxury and status but also has many essential applications across other fields. Gold’s presence in critical sectors like electronics, medicine, and beauty shows its undeniable practical value.