Gold : What is Gold Made Of?
Gold is a precious metal that can be used for many different purposes. It is a good conductor of heat and electricity and an excellent reflector of infrared radiation. Many people have heard of gold, but they may need to learn precisely what it is made of.
Symbol of wealth
Gold symbolizes wealth and prestige and has been used for centuries. It is the most precious of all metals. Often used for monetary transactions, it is the ideal symbol of abundance, prosperity, and wealth. In feng shui, gold nuggets are a powerful tool to attract prosperity and good luck.
In a world of uncertainty, gold has always been a safe place to store and protect one’s wealth. The earliest gold pieces date back to Sumerian civilization. These were made into decorative objects.
Gold has been used as a currency by many societies throughout history. Today, it is the most commonly used precious metal. Some of its characteristics include strength, durability, and rust resistance.
Gold has been a favored symbol for both men and women. The Greeks saw it as a symbol of power and social status.
Good conductor of heat and electricity
Metals are one of the most common materials that conduct electricity. Their conductivity is the essential factor in making wires. This is because if a bad conductor is used, it leads to a lot of power loss.
Most metals are considered good conductors of heat and electricity. Some examples include gold, copper, silver, aluminum, and iron. If you’re looking for the best conductor of heat and electricity, it’s pure silver.
The atoms of a metal are more tightly packed than the atoms of most other substances. They’re also capable of transmitting the vibrations of heat more efficiently. Aside from these benefits, metals are ductile and malleable. When heated, they cause the ions in neighboring atoms to vibrate more vigorously, making the overall conductivity of the metal higher.
The excellent reflector of infrared radiation
Gold is a natural choice when considering the best materials to use as a good reflector of infrared radiation. Yellow metal is a well-known material for jewelry, plating, dental work, and other applications. It is a great conductor of heat, though.
Gold also possesses some interesting properties. One of them is its ability to display the highest concentration of free electrons, thus resulting in the highest infrared reflectivity. Aside from this, it is a highly malleable material, making it suitable for many applications.
It is also one of the best conductors of the electromagnetic wave, gamma rays. This is due to the strong covalent bonds between the molecules. An ideal candidate for this role should possess the right balance of hardness and strength.
Used in electronics and temperature control
Gold is one of the many metals involved in the manufacture of modern electronics. Its properties include superior oxidation resistance and more resistance to wear and tear. Among its commercial applications are thick film conductors and multilayer ceramic capacitors. This material is a staple in the downhole oil and gas industry, arguably the oldest user of high-temperature electronics. Although it has been around for more than a century, there is still much research and development in this space.
The use of gold in temperature control is more limited, but the company needs to explain its various applications better. A popular application is thermistors. These are commonly found in thermostats, but they are also used in other devices.
Origins
Gold is one of the few heavy metals found in nature. There are several theories regarding its origins. Some say that it is a product of supernovae, while others claim that it was formed during the creation of the universe.
The first known civilization that utilized gold was Ancient Egypt. They could mine and manipulate it into objects such as coins, jewelry, and idols.
In the pre-dynastic period, the Egyptians used gold as a currency. During the early 4th millennium, gold artifacts were discovered in Lower Mesopotamia and the West Bank. Among these were gold vessels, statues, vases, and idols.
It has always been associated with power and beauty. This makes it a desirable metal. People worldwide are drawn to it because of its beauty and enduring quality.
