How do you associate yourself with gold? Is it through the fancy, flashy jewelry you wear? Is it what you currently invest in or have plans to invest in?
It’s true, gold is sought after by many due to its dazzling color and shine, plus it’s a rarity here on Earth with intrinsic value. There’s so much to learn about it, from where it came from to what it’s used for today and more!
Are you curious to learn more about gold?
#1 | What Does the Word “Gold” Mean?
Well, to most, it is a precious metal used to fashion jewelry amongst various other types of trades. But let’s dig deeper.
The term gold comes from an Anglo-Saxon word for metal. Its symbol on the periodic table of elements is Au, which derives from the Latin term ‘aurum.’
Gold has another meaning in the Aztec language. Their word for gold is “teocuitlatl,” which means “excrement of gods.” No wonder it was used during ancient times to signify luxury and wealth to those in power.
#2 | How Old Is Gold?
Gold doesn’t have a birth date to expose. It didn’t originate here on Earth. Instead, meteorites and asteroids carried it to us.
Overall, gold is old. But how old? Let’s put it this way. About 75% of the gold circulating today was extracted over a century ago!
It is said in history that the discovery of gold dates back to 4,000 B.C. It may have been the first metal worked by our ancestors long ago.
Gold used to be and continues to be a sign of wealth. Are you surprised? It’s such a beautiful precious metal, mirroring the light from the sun. The purer it is, the more delicate, but it holds its color, resisting the tarnishing urge. Who doesn’t want to own a form of gold?
#3 | Did You Know Gold is Used in Dentistry?
Since the 7th century B.C., Etruscans used gold wire or gold bands to hold teeth together. They would also use a gold alloy as a filling for cavities, which carries into the current processes.
Is it as common today to get a gold filling? It’s becoming less and less common since gold does stand out, not providing the best esthetic, but it’s still an option.
#4 | The Space Program and Gold
What else is gold used for, you ask? What if we told you the space program uses it?
When constructing spacesuits for the astronauts, a layer of gold is placed on the visor. This layer helps to reflect the harmful rays from the sun and other infrared lights they can be exposed to, shielding the astronaut's eyes from danger.
Another way NASA used gold in the space program is with its Apollo lunar landing modules. A thin layer of gold, along with layers of other materials such as glass, mylar, aluminum, wool, and Kapton, was placed at the top.
Its purpose? To act as a thermal blanket, protecting the craft and the astronauts from the heat.
Can Gold Be Mined in Space?
Mythbusters, gold hunters, and NASA agree that gold exists in space, specifically on asteroids.
Have you heard of Psyche 16? This is the name given to an asteroid located between Mars and Jupiter studied by NASA to understand further how the Earth was formed.
This particular asteroid is said to be carrying precious metals such as nickel and iron but has a solid gold core worth a fortune and could categorize every person on Earth as a millionaire.
#5 | There’s a Microorganism That Preys on Gold?
You read that correctly, and yes, there have been microorganisms discovered that eat gold. This is a good discovery, though. The microorganisms deposit the traces of gold they eat into larger gold nuggets, intriguing the interest of mining companies.
Wouldn’t it be better to use the resources around us versus cyanide (a fast-acting, deadly chemical) to extract gold from ore?
It sounds like these microorganisms may help mining companies with the process, providing a bonus of saving the environment from harmful chemicals that cause destruction.
#6 | Is There Gold in the Ocean?
Yes, there is. The ocean is the largest reservoir of gold. That is great to hear, except it is nearly impossible to mine the gold compared to that from the surface.
The concentration of gold in the ocean is on the scale of parts per trillion. It is extremely dilute, making it exist only in the dreams of a miner.
Is it on the ocean’s floor? Most likely, there is undissolved gold on the ocean floor, but again it’s difficult to get to. You are talking at least a mile or two underwater at a minimum to the ocean floor.
Even then, you’d still need to find a way to mine through the rock before you can get the gold. What a process, an expensive one indeed!
#7 | Why Does Some Gold Jewelry Itch or Discolor?
If you have sensitive skin and are having a reaction to gold jewelry, it’s most likely because the gold is not pure.
You may want to check on its fineness. It’s very likely that the jewelry is mixed with other metals, such as silver, causing your skin to itch or even become discolored where it is worn.
#8 | How Much Does the Largest Gold Bar Weigh?
A subsidiary of Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, manufactured the world’s largest gold bar. The bar weighs in at 551 lbs. Its dimensions: 17.9 inches by 8.9 inches by 6.7 inches (smaller than the size of a shoebox).
Want to see it? It is on display at the Toi Gold Museum in Japan.
#9 | When Were Gold Coins First Used as Currency?
The first gold coin is said to have been created during the 6th century B.C. in Lydia (western Turkey).
The impression on the coin came in two shapes. It was either a lion or a bull on one side and a seal. The impressions themselves had to be hammered into the coin; they didn’t have machines for that back then.
It is said that the gold the Lydians used came from the same river that King Midas used when washing away his ability to turn things to gold through his touch.
#10 | Does the Human Body Contain Traces of Gold?
Our bodies (and even blood) contain small traces of gold. For example, a person weighing 154 lbs could have a mass of .2 milligrams of gold in their body.
To put it in perspective, this would resemble a small cube with an equal measurement of .22mm on each side.
What Purpose Does Gold Serve in Our Bodies?
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A protector of our joints
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Conduct electricity, guiding the electrical signals throughout our body
Is Gold Medicinal?
Gold is used in the medical field. It is used to treat conditions including cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Its effects help to relieve joint pain or discomfort.
Gold treatment takes time as it does not show results overnight. It is provided in capsule form, as well as through injection.
#11 | Gold Does Grow on Trees, Does It?
Paper money is printed; too bad it doesn’t grow on trees. But guess what? Gold can but don’t expect giant chunks to grow as an apple would grow on an apple tree.
The eucalyptus trees are deep-rooted, digging as far as 140 feet into the ground. When the trees exist above buried deposits of gold ore, they can pull nutrients from the ground. If they are lucky, these nutrients can include traces of gold. The gold is transported to the leaves of the eucalyptus tree.
#12 | Gold is Everywhere
Look around you. If you have an electronic device nearby, then you have gold too! Gold is found in computers, cameras, televisions, and more.
Gold is beautiful yet powerful. It is a conductive metal that doesn’t tarnish or corrode in its purest form. That’s why it’s on the A list of materials for electronics.
The Bottom Line
Isn’t it fun to learn more about that radiant metal you wear around your neck or have locked away in your safe? There is so much history behind gold and so much more to chart out in the future.
Look no further if you are in the market for a passive income that shines like the sun. Introducing you to the new store of value, AcreGold allows you to own authentic gold bars weighing either 2.5 grams or 5 grams through a subscription-based plan.
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Sources:
50 Interesting Facts About Gold | InvestingAnswers
Gold Mining in Space? NASA's Psyche Spacecraft to Study Asteroid Worth $10,000 Quadrillion
55 Interesting Facts About Gold You May Not Know - Facts.net