Four fascinating facts about gold

22 May 2023
Mining

With its shimmering beauty and undeniable value, gold has captivated human civilisation for centuries. From its discovery by the Pharaohs in Ancient Egypt to the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s, this precious metal continues to intrigue and inspire. In this blog, we'll explore four fascinating facts about gold that will deepen your appreciation for this extraordinary mineral.

Gold is one of the rarest minerals on Earth 

Gold's scarcity and limited supply contribute significantly to its high value and desirability. Gold is one of the rarest elements on Earth, making up only about 0.003 parts per million of the Earth's crust. To put it into perspective, if you were to gather all the gold ever mined and melted it down, it would fit into a cube with sides measuring just over 20 metres. Even in modern times, the scarcity of gold maintains its allure. Investors and individuals alike view gold as a hedge against inflation and a store of value in uncertain economic times. The limited supply ensures that its worth remains relatively stable, making it an attractive option for wealth preservation. 

Gold has ancient origins and cultural significance

Gold's ancient origins and cultural significance have shaped human history in remarkable ways. Coveted by ancient civilisations, sought after by explorers, and revered as a symbol of wealth and immortality, gold holds a timeless allure. From the Egyptians to the Greeks, this precious metal has been associated with gods, adorned in majestic artifacts, and passed down through generations. Historians have unearthed gold artifacts dating back thousands of years, revealing the enduring connection between this precious metal and our collective human story. The discovery of golden treasures, whether buried in ancient tombs or found in sunken ships, serves as a tangible link to our past. 

Gold has medicinal properties

Beyond its aesthetic appeal and monetary value, gold also possesses intriguing medicinal properties – particularly in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Gold salts, such as aurothiomalate and auranofin, have been used for centuries to alleviate the symptoms and slow down the progression of this chronic autoimmune disorder. Administered through injections or oral medications, these gold compounds have shown efficacy in reducing the inflammation that leads to joint damage. The precise mechanisms behind gold's therapeutic effects are still not fully understood, but its continued use as a treatment option highlights its medicinal value.

Gold came from meteorites

According to researchers at the University of Bristol, gold was delivered to Earth by meteorites. A 2011 study revealed compelling evidence suggesting that the Earth's mineable gold and other precious metals were delivered through a series of meteorite impacts. These meteorites, estimated to weigh billions of tons, arrived on Earth more than 200 million years after the planet's formation. Curiously, it is believed that the same meteorites that brought gold to Earth also left behind distinctive craters on the moon, further connecting the celestial dots of our cosmic history.

 

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