Gold, a genuinely captivating element and mineral represented by the symbol Au, holds a special
place in the hearts of humanity. Its rarity and remarkable physical properties have entranced us
for countless generations. In this article, let us embark on a journey into the fascinating world of
gold, where we will unravel its defining characteristics and shed light on its many applications.
Gold is a metal of extraordinary versatility, from its position on the Mohs' hardness scale to its
exceptional electrical conductivity. Our exploration begins by delving into the remarkable
properties that make gold extraordinary. Together, we will examine its hardness, conductivity,
and the enchanting hues it displays. We will also look closer at the captivating yellow colour that
sets gold apart from other metals, understanding how the graceful dance of its valence electrons
creates this beguiling visual spectacle.
What is gold?
Gold is a chemical element and a mineral with the symbol Au, atomic number 79, and an atomic weight of 196.967. It is a heavy, shiny, yellow metal highly valued for its rarity and physical properties. Gold is one of the few single-element minerals formed by various geological, physical, chemical, and biological processes. It is commonly found in rocks in a pure state, with large pieces called nuggets and tiny pieces known as gold dust. Human civilizations highly value gold for its alluring hue, rarity, and resistance to tarnishing. It is used in various applications such as jewellery, arts, coins, and electronic instruments.
What are the properties of gold?
• Hardness: Gold is one of the hardest metals, ranking at number 10 on Mohs' hardnessscale.
Gold is a relatively soft metal compared to other metals. It has a hardness of 2.5 to 3 on the
Mohs' hardness scale, which is a scale used to measure the scratch resistance of minerals. This
means that more complex minerals like quartz and topaz can scratch gold but can scratch softer
minerals like talc.
• Conductivity: Gold is a highly conductive metal and is used in a wide range of electrical applications.
Gold is a highly conductive metal that efficiently moves minimal currents while avoiding
corrosion. It benefits electrical applications due to its excellent conductivity and heat resistance.
These factors make gold ideal for electronics, especially cables and connectors. Gold is a soft
and malleable metal that can be easily stretched or coated with thin coatings due to its physical
properties.
• Colour: Gold is yellow, which can vary depending on the impurities in the metal.
Gold is yellow, unlike most other grey or silvery-white metals. The colour of gold is due to the
frequency of plasma oscillations among its valence electrons, which is in the visible range due to
relativistic effects affecting the orbitals around gold atoms.
• Elemental Properties:
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and atomic number 79. It is a highly sought-after
precious metal due to its unique physical and chemical properties. Gold has a metallic yellow
appearance, a density of 19.3 g/cm3, a melting point of 1064.18°C, and a boiling point of
2970°C. It is an excellent conductor of electricity and is highly resistant to corrosion and
tarnishing.
• Melting Point:
Gold has a melting point of 1064 °C, which is relatively low compared to other metals such as
tungsten, with a melting point of 3422 °C and platinum, with a melting end of 1772 °C.
However, gold's low melting point makes it easier to work with and shapes into various forms,
such as jewellery and coins. Its high malleability, and ductility also contribute to its usefulness as
a metal.
• Uses:
Gold is a versatile metal with several uses in everyday life, including currency, jewellery, and
electronics. Its chemical stability and excellent conductivity make it ideal for use in electronic
applications, where it is used in connection strips, switch and relay contacts, and connectors.
Gold is also highly malleable, allowing it to be drawn out into thin wires, making it useful for
electrical wiring.
• Gold Mines:
Gold is extracted from both open-cut and underground mines in Australia. Open-cut mining is
more prevalent and involves using earth-moving equipment to remove waste rock from above
the ore body and then mine the ore. Waste and ore are blasted to break them into sizes suitable
for handling and transport. Underground mining is used where the depth of ore below the surface
makes open-cut mining uneconomic. Vertical shafts and declines move people and equipment
into and out of the mine. Gold is found in two major types of deposits: lode deposits and placer
deposits. Lode deposits are where gold is found in veins in the rock, while placer deposits are
formed by moving water that has eroded gold out of lode deposits. Most of the gold recovered in
the United States is produced from only about 30 mines. Nevada makes most of the gold in the
United States, followed by Alaska. The remaining gold deposits are in other western states.
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