AllMineralsRock
Gold
Gold is a very popular mineral composed of gold. [1]
Gold: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Gold:- Transparency: Gold is opaque.
- Luster: In terms of luster, gold is metallic.
- Streak: Gold streaks golden, golden yellow or yellow.
- Specific Gravity: Gold's specific gravity ranges from 15.5 to 19.3.
Gold: Background and Summary
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au (from Latin: aurum) and atomic number 79, making it one of the higher atomic number elements that occur naturally. It is a bright, slightly reddish yellow, dense, soft, malleable, and ductile metal. Gold is a precious metal that has been used for currency, jewelry, and decoration for thousands of years. It is also used in electronics, medicine, and as a conductor in space vehicles and satellites.Identifying gold can be done in a few different ways. One of the easiest ways is by using a magnet. Gold is not magnetic, so if a piece of metal is attracted to a magnet, it is not gold. Another way to identify gold is by its color. Gold has a distinct yellow color that is different from other metals. Additionally, gold is very dense, so it will feel heavier than other metals of the same size. Finally, you can scratch the metal against a piece of ceramic. Gold will leave a yellow streak, while other metals will not.
Gold has many uses, both practical and decorative. It is used in jewelry and decoration because of its beauty and rarity. Gold is also used in electronics, particularly in computer chips, because it is an excellent conductor of electricity. Additionally, gold is used in medicine to treat certain types of cancer and as a diagnostic tool in imaging tests.
Gold: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Gold (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Au |
| Chemical Composition | gold |
| Specific Gravity | 15.5, 19.3 |
| Streak | golden, golden yellow, yellow |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: yellow less common: brass, gold |
Gold: FAQ
Q: Is gold rare?A: Yes, gold is relatively rare. It is estimated that all of the gold ever mined would fit into a cube that is 21 meters on each side.
Q: Can gold be found in nature?
A: Yes, gold can be found in nature. It is often found in veins in rocks or in alluvial deposits in rivers and streams.
Q: Is gold a good investment?
A: Gold can be a good investment, but it is not without risk. It is important to do research and understand the market before investing in gold.
Sources
- "Gold." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 20 July 2021.- "Gold." USGS Mineral Resources Program. U.S. Geological Survey, n.d. Web. 20 July 2021.
- Gold: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold
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