Gold has been a highly sought-after metal for centuries, and it is no surprise that there are many interesting facts about this precious metal. From its uses in jewellery to its role in the economy, gold has played an important part in human history. In this article, we will explore 10 interesting facts about gold that you may not have known before. From the amount of gold mined each year, to its unique properties, these facts are sure to surprise you.
What is Gold and How Has it Been used Throughout History
Gold is one of the most valuable metals in the world. From ancient civilisations to modern-day societies, gold has been seen as a symbol of wealth, power, and status, and is often considered a safe-haven asset during times of economic uncertainty. Gold is also used for a variety of purposes in our daily lives, such as electronics and medical applications. Its properties make it ideal due to its high conductivity and malleability. We will look at how gold is still being used today and its importance in our lives.
1. Gold Comes from Outer Space
Yep, you read that right. Recent research has suggested that gold and other precious metals could have originated from outer space. It is believed that up to half of the Earth’s gold could have come from meteorites crashing into our planet, millions of years ago. This means that gold, as well as other precious metals, are truly out-of-this-world.
2. Gold is so malleable, you can mould it by hand
Gold is a precious metal with many unique properties. One of its most remarkable features is its malleability, or ability to be shaped and moulded into different forms. This makes gold an ideal material for jewellery and other decorative items, as it can be easily manipulated into intricate designs. Gold’s malleability also makes it useful in the electronics industry, where it can be used to create electrical contacts and connectors that are both durable and reliable.
3. Gold is non-toxic
Although gold is considered a heavy metal, it is non-toxic. Gold does not react to other substances or elements, and therefore, it does not release any toxic substances into the environment. This means it can be safely used in medical applications due to its non-toxicity and inert nature.
4. An Asteroid near earth holds 20 billion tonnes of gold
16 Psyche is a 140-mile-wide asteroid discovered by the Italian astronomer, Annibale de Gasparis, on 17 March, 1852, and named after the Greek goddess Psyche. The asteroid is a unique phenomenon that has intrigued scientists for decades. It is the largest asteroid in our solar system and is believed to contain a variety of metals, including iron, nickel, and gold, worth $10,000 quadrillion. Its composition makes it an interesting target for exploration and research, as it could potentially hold clues about the formation of our solar system.
5. A gold nugget can be 4 times more valuable due to its rareness
Gold nuggets are rare because of the difficulty in finding them. Gold is a precious metal that is found in only a few places around the world. Most gold is found deep underground, which makes it difficult to access and collect. In addition, gold nuggets are often small and hard to spot, making them more rare. Because gold is so valuable, it has been heavily mined over the centuries, and many of the original deposits have been depleted. As a result, gold nuggets are now considered rare and highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
6. Our bodies contain 0.2% gold
Did you know that our bodies contain 0.2% gold? This may sound like a surprising fact but it is true. Gold is one of the most abundant elements in the universe and can be found in trace amounts in many things, including our bodies. It serves as a protective barrier to help us stay healthy and safe from environmental hazards.
7. Gold grows on trees
Gold is a precious metal that has been used for centuries as a symbol of wealth and power. But did you know that gold can be found growing on trees? It’s true! Gold is found in the leaves, bark, and even the wood of certain trees.
8. 3 Olympic swimming pools can hold all the gold ever mined in the world
Gold has been mined for centuries and it is estimated that around 190,000 tonnes of gold has been mined from the Earth since its discovery. This amount of gold is worth trillions of dollars and has helped shape our modern economy. It sounds like a lot, but the entire amount of gold mined in the world could fit into 3 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
9. Gold is medicinal
Gold has long been used as a medicinal substance due to its unique properties. It has been used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, from skin problems to cancer. Gold is believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Gold is also thought to have antibacterial and antifungal benefits, making it an effective treatment for infections. The use of gold in medicine is not limited to just these applications; it can also be used for other treatments, such as wound healing and tissue repair.
10. US$40 million’s worth of gold has been recovered from old iPhones
A staggering US$40 million worth of gold has been recovered from old iPhones in a recycling program in the United States. The program is a great example of how technology can be used to recover precious resources that would otherwise be wasted. It also highlights the importance of recycling old electronics, as these devices contain valuable materials that can be reused and repurposed.
