What is Gold?

Gold is a bright, slightly orange-yellow, dense, soft, malleable, and ductile metal in a pure form. Chemically, gold is a transition metal and a group 11 element. Gold is on the periodic table of elements under the symbol Au and atomic number 79.

Gold Uses
  • Dentistry – Gold has a 3,000-plus year history in dentistry because it is non-toxic and can be easily formed to fill cavities.
  • In Space – Astronaut helmet visors contain a thin film of gold which helps filter out harmful UV rays. Gold is also used to stabilize temperatures and reflect radiation in space vehicles like the Mars probe vehicles.
  • Printing – Gold ink produces high-quality, durable prints.
  • Electronics – As a naturally occurring conductor of electricity, gold has been used in high-quality connector materials as well as circuit board metals.
  • Treating arthritis – Gold is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as an anti-inflammatory.
  • Jewelry – Gold has been used for thousands of years in jewelry due to its appearance and malleable nature.
  • Weight Loss – Gold nanorods can be heated and injected into a patient’s fat, melting it away in a series of treatments.
  • Water Filtration – Researchers have produced a catalyst with gold-nanoparticle antennas that can improve water quality in daylight and also generate hydrogen as a green energy source. Improved photocatalyst microparticles containing gold nanoparticles can be used to purify water.