Gold

Gold has been a highly sought-after metal since its discovery in ancient times. The California Gold Rush during the 19^th century is renowned. This metal, normally located deep underground, was easily accessed with hand tools in the hills of California, and therefore, attracted gold-seekers.

A soft metal that possesses a characteristic yellow colour, gold is distributed throughout the planet in low concentrations. Gold has the highest malleability and ductility of all elements.

A monetary standard since the late 18^th century, gold is a precious metal that also has decorative applications. In jewellery, gold is often alloyed to increase its strength. Governments around the world use gold as a currency backing and for settling international trade balances.

Gold is a good conductor of heat and electricity. It has applications in electronics and in the space industry. Gold serves as a coating on circuits and heat shields, as well as space satellites because it is a good infrared reflector and is relatively inert.