Gold is a highly valued precious metal known for its rarity, durability, and exceptional physical and chemical properties. It plays a critical role across industries ranging from finance and electronics to medicine and jewelry.
Key Characteristics
| Property | Value/Description |
| Chemical Symbol | Au |
| Atomic Number | 79 |
| Appearance | Bright yellow, lustrous metallic sheen |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
| Atomic (Molar) Mass | 196.9665 g/mol |
| Density | 19.32 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1,064 °C (1,947 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 2,856 °C (5,173 °F) |
Properties
Gold is a noble metal, meaning it is highly resistant to corrosion, oxidation, and chemical reactions. It is extremely malleable and ductile—a single gram of gold can be hammered into a thin sheet covering several square meters or drawn into very fine wire.
Gold is also an excellent conductor of electricity, particularly valued for its reliability because it does not tarnish or degrade over time. These properties make gold uniquely suited for applications that require long-term stability and precision.
Applications
- Jewelry: Widely used in rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches due to its beauty, durability, and resistance to tarnish.
- Electronics: Used in connectors, circuit boards, and microchips for reliable electrical conductivity.
- Finance & Investment: Stored as bullion, coins, and reserves to preserve value and hedge against inflation.
- Medicine: Used in dental work, medical devices, and certain treatments due to its biocompatibility.
- Aerospace & Technology: Applied in satellites and spacecraft to reflect radiation and ensure stable electrical performance.

Gold
Importance of Gold
Gold is scarce, durable, and universally recognized as a store of value. Its combination of chemical stability, conductivity, and workability makes it indispensable not only as a symbol of wealth but also as a critical industrial material. From safeguarding financial systems to enabling advanced technology, gold continues to play a vital role in global development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is gold classified as a “noble metal”?
Gold is classified as a noble metal because of its outstanding chemical stability. Unlike most metals, it is highly resistant to corrosion, oxidation, and acid attacks in moist air. This property prevents it from rusting or tarnishing, even over long periods.
If silver is a better conductor, why is gold used in electronics?
While silver and copper conduct electricity slightly better than gold, they are prone to corrosion and tarnish (oxidation), which can interrupt electrical signals over time. Gold is used in critical components—like connectors and microchips—because it does not corrode, ensuring a reliable, uninterrupted connection for the lifespan of the device.
Is gold safe to use inside the human body?
Yes, gold is biocompatible, meaning it is non-toxic and does not react negatively with human tissue or body fluids. This makes it an ideal material for dentistry (crowns and bridges), medical implants, and treatments for certain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
How malleable is gold compared to other metals?
Gold is the most malleable and ductile of all known metals. It is so soft that a single gram of gold can be beaten into a translucent sheet covering nearly one square meter, or drawn into a wire stretching several kilometers long without breaking.
What is the melting point of gold?
Gold has a melting point of 1,064 °C (1,947 °F). This high melting point, combined with its density and stability, allows it to be melted down and purified (refined) repeatedly without losing its fundamental properties.


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