Gold: Symbol, Key Characteristics, Uses and Fun Facts for Kids

Gold is a precious element in our periodic table that has captivated human attention over the years. This shiny, rare metal has been a desirable possession in several ancient civilizations on earth due to its unique features. From modern semiconductor manufacturing to ancient Egyptian pharaohs, gold has always been significant in our lives.

Table of Contents

• The Symbol of Gold
• History of Gold
• Key Characteristics
• Uses of Gold

The Symbol of Gold

Gold is an element and, like other elements, is represented using a chemical symbol. The symbol given to gold is Au, which is a standardized scientific name. This symbol comes from the Latin word aurum, which means ‘glowing dawn’. This name suits the metal’s glowing warmth and radiant shine. The atomic number of gold is 79 and it is chemically less reactive than other metals. 

History of Gold

Gold on Earth is believed to have originated in outer space as a result of violent cosmic events, such as supernova explosions. This scattered metal was then delivered to Earth via heavy asteroid bombardment during the early days of the planet. Today, it is present in the mantle and crust of the Earth, which is extracted from mines as nuggets or microscopic particles. These mines are mainly located in South Africa, Australia and Russia.

Throughout history, gold has symbolized prosperity, wealth, and divinity. Ancient Egyptians even considered gold to be the flesh of the gods, especially the sun deity Ra. Across nations and eras, gold has been a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and even today, it is used to honour winners with Olympic gold medals. Our wedding jewelry, kings’ crowns, and the decoration of the world's greatest architectural monuments are incomplete without gold.

Key Characteristics

The craze and importance of Gold in our lives is not accidental; this metal has uniquely remarkable physical as well as chemical properties that set it apart from the rest of the metals. These properties make this metal genuinely unique. Let’s understand the properties of gold in detail below:

Density and Weight: In its purest form, the density of gold is approx 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter. This makes it extremely dense compared to other elements. Such a density means a gold cube of just 38 centimeters on every side will amount to a full metric tonne or 1000 Kg.

Malleability and Ductility: Gold is a highly malleable metal. Even one ounce of gold can be hammered and turned into an incredibly thin sheet that can be translucent. It is also used in wires in such a fine way that it becomes nearly invisible. These properties of gold make it suitable for the manufacture of semiconductors.

Corrosion Resistance: Gold is a corrosion-free metal, and this feature makes it extremely durable. This is the very reason that the ancient gold artifacts are found looking freshly polished even after centuries. Gold is the least reactive metal that dissolves only in ‘aqua regia’, which is a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids.

Electrical Conductivity: Gold is a good conductor of heat and electricity and does not oxidize over time. This property of gold makes it extremely suitable for use in electric circuits.

Reflective Property: The gold reflects the red, yellow and infrared light (IR) extremely well. The unique yellow colour of gold comes from it absorbing blue/violet light while reflecting the longer wavelengths.

Uses of Gold

Gold has many useful applications in our lives, spanning from ancient temple jewelry to modern cutting-edge technology.

Jewelry and Adornment: The highest demand for gold is generated from the jewelry market. People in various countries view gold jewelry as an asset that combines cultural, social, and financial security. Over the years, this industry has undergone many changes to keep up with fashion preferences. India and China are the main consumers of gold in the form of jewelry worldwide.

Financial Reserves and Investment: Gold is also seen as an asset during times of economic uncertainty. Various global banks hold it as an asset, and investors turn towards gold bonds when the economy is bad. 

Electronics: All our electronic gadgets, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, and laptops, carry some amount of gold in the form of wires and circuits. The use of gold in electronic devices goes from small devices to spacecraft.

Medicine: Gold in the form of nanoparticles is being used in the treatment and diagnosis of various conditions. A gold-based medicine has been used for years in treating illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis.

Aerospace: NASA uses gold in coating various parts of a satellite. The space gears, such as astronauts' helmets, are also coated with a thin layer of gold to protect them from solar heat

Fun Facts about Gold

• Approx 3.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools can fit the gold ever mined in human history.
• Luxury foods and cocktails are decorated with a food-grade gold leaf (E175) that is absorbed harmlessly in our bodies. 
• There is enough gold in Earth’s core to coat the entire surface of the planet, but it is completely unextractable.
• The largest gold nugget was found in Victoria, Australia, in 1869 and weighed approximately 72 kilograms.