Gold’s unique qualities make it a truly unmatched treasure, coveted by so many throughout the centuries. Its multiple uses beyond being a store of value and beauty make it standout in nature:
The Chemistry of Gold
Gold’s symbol "Au'' in the periodic table, comes from the Latin word "Aurum". It is an extremely rare metal, with an abundance of approximately 0.005 parts per million in the earth’s crust. It is also one of the densest known elements meaning that even a small amount has significant weight.
At the molecular level, gold exhibits a unique crystalline structure in its purest form. Its atoms are organized in a three-dimensional network that contributes to its exceptional properties.The bright golden color that distinguishes it gives it an eternal quality, because it is one of the few metals that neither oxidizes, degrades, nor changes color over time; this contributes to its extreme durability and value. No wonder that from a chemical standpoint, gold is a marvel
Physical Features
Gold is extremely resistant to corrosion, it is extremely malleable and has high levels of conductivity. Unlike many metals that oxidize or corrode over time, gold remains unchanged, making it an ideal material for creating jewelry and coins capable of maintaining their shine over generations. This resistance to corrosion is essential in technological applications, where gold guarantees long-term stability of components.
Gold’s melting point is relatively low (around 1,064 °C) making it an extremely easy metal to work with. It can be manipulated into extremely thin sheets and threads. It is so malleable and ductile that a single ounce of gold can be turned into a thread almost 100 km long. It can also be processed into sheets so fine that a one inch stack (2.5 centimeters) can contain more than 200,000 gold sheets.
The high demand for Gold in technology is because of its high electric conductivity which is essential in the manufacture of electronic devices. The connectors, switches and contacts in devices such as smartphones, computers and medical equipment often contain thin layers of gold to ensure efficient transmission of electricity and exceptional durability.
Gold in Healthcare
Ancient Egyptians used gold in a wide variety of medical applications: From dental implants, to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Today it is used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer. This is because gold is known to be a chemically inert element, meaning it neither reacts nor changes its state when coming into contact with organisms.
However, it has recently been discovered that gold particles of 1 nanometer (nm) are capable of killing multidrug-resistant bacteria. It is for this reason that gold is an extremely efficient element in the treatment of bacterial infections.
A Unique Connection
Beyond its economic value and aesthetic appeal, gold is a chemical treasure with truly unique properties. From its indestructible molecular structure to its importance in modern technology, gold continues to play a crucial role all over the world. By understanding the extraordinary chemistry behind gold, we can further appreciate its impact on society and recognize that not only is this metal valuable in monetary terms, but it also is a fascinating gift from nature that continues to inspire creativity and innovation in today's world.
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Aktagold's mission is to help people around the world protect their money from the economic and financial instability of their home countries, giving them access to gold savings in Canada's most secure vaults, an option that previously used to be reserved only for those with the highest income.
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