Gold

Gold has been known of since prehistoric time- and since then has become a very well-known precious metal. The only stable form of gold known is actually used to treat cancer and other serious illnesses. When found gold is a very yellow metal, but when separated and broken down is actually black, ruby, and purple in color. It is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat, and is not affected by exposure to air.

It is often alloyed to increase it's strength, but must be weighed differently than normal. Pure gold is measured in troy weight, while alloyed gold has to be measured as a karat to express the amount of actual gold there is. It is found in it's natural form in veins, rock and some sea water. It is widely distributed and is used in coinage.

Fun Fact: Being very malleable, just ONE ounce of gold can be squished into a 300 foot sheet.


Gold is used often in jewelry, dentistry, plating, and some reflectors. Some of it's components are also used to treat arthritis.


Fun Fact: During prehistoric times, pure gold was used as jewelry. Now, almost all jewelry is not pure gold- it is alloyed gold.