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10 Interesting facts about gold

Amazing facts about gold that demonstrate just how versatile and fascinating this metal truly is

By Eric SmithPublished about a year ago 7 min read
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Gold Coins and bars

Gold has long been one of history's most sought-after and treasured metals. With its lustrous shine and remarkable durability, it has captured the hearts and imaginations of people across cultures and continents for centuries. From ancient to the modern era, gold has played a significant role in shaping human society and has been used for everything from currency to jewelry to medicine. This article explores ten fascinating facts about gold that will leave you in awe of this precious metal.

1. The Holy Bible contains over 400 mentions of gold, with God instructing that the furniture in the tabernacle be adorned with "pure gold." Furthermore, gold is identified as one of the precious gifts the Magi presents, symbolizing its significance and value throughout history.

2. Greeks believed that gold was a rich composite of water and sunlight. - In ancient Greece, gold was the ultimate currency. The Greeks scoured the lands of the Mediterranean and Middle East, unearthing this precious metal as early as 550 B.C. The brilliant minds of Plato and Aristotle delved into the origins of gold, believing it to be a dense composition of water and sunlight (As it was found in water streamlines).

While their scientific knowledge was bare, the Greeks gained practical experience in the art of gold mining. By the time of Alexander the Great's passing in 323 B.C., they had extracted gold from the Pillars of Hercules to Asia Minor and Egypt, leaving behind traces of their excavations that remain visible even today.

3. In 1799, Conrad Reed stumbled upon a massive 17-pound chunk of gold that he had been using as a doorstop, and it wasn't until three years later that the object was recognized for its actual value as a precious metal. - The Reed Gold Mine is a testament to early American gold prospectors' pioneering spirit and perseverance. The first confirmed gold find in the United States was made at this historic location in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. The Reed family, led by farmer John Reed, struck gold in 1799 when his son discovered a large yellow rock in Little Meadow Creek on their farm. This chance discovery sparked a gold rush that swept across the state and ultimately created an entire industry.

4. The 49ers (California Gold Rush)- In 1848, a remarkable event occurred in California. As James W. Marshall was supervising the construction of a sawmill at Sutter's Mill, he discovered traces of gold in the soil. This groundbreaking discovery triggered the California Gold Rush, which lured approximately 300,000 daring pioneers and miners, known as "forty-niners" (as they started in the year 1849), from different corners of the globe, such as Asia, Latin America, Europe, Australia, and the eastern and southern regions of the United States.

They journeyed to the American River in search of fortune and opportunity, and they claimed their spots on the land, using pans to sift through silt deposits to extract gold. This adventurous journey transformed the landscape and populace of California forever.

5. This will surprise you! - Since the beginning of civilization, we've managed to mine a whopping 208,874 tons of gold. That's enough gold to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool over 20 times! In fact, around two-thirds of that amount was mined in just the last 70 years since 1950. The crazy thing is gold is virtually indestructible, meaning that almost all of it is still around in some shape or form. So the next time you see a glittery piece of gold jewelry or watch an Olympic gold medal ceremony, remember that the gold used could be thousands of years old and have quite a story to tell.

6. In the 14th century, the bubonic plague was attempted to be remedied through the consumption of molten gold and crushed emeralds. - During the medieval era, physicians believed that ailments were caused by an imbalance of the four bodily fluids, or humor: blood, black bile, yellow bile, and phlegm. To remedy this imbalance, the consumption of crushed jewels, such as gold or emeralds, was prescribed as it was thought to restore equilibrium. Although this appears peculiar by modern standards, it was a customary medical practice at the time.

Amidst the Black Death, practitioners attempted to cure the epidemic through various methods, including ingesting emerald powder.

Nevertheless, unknown to them, the bubonic plague was transmitted by fleas living on black rats. It is likely that these "cures" were only available to the wealthy and may have been employed by physicians to boost their profits.

7. Nearly half of the gold extracted from the earth today is transformed into jewelry, persisting as the most significant purpose for gold. China and India are the largest consumers of gold jewelry.

8. Incredibly malleable gold! - Because of its renowned malleability, a little ounce of gold may be extended into a 100-mile wire or pressed into a 200-square-foot sheet. In materials science, malleability measures a substance's ability to be shaped into thin layers through hammering.

Gold reigns supreme in this regard, as it possesses the highest level of the malleability of any element known to man. So soft is this noble metal that it can even be fashioned into ultra-thin sheets that allow light to pass through, lending them a greenish-blue hue due to the reflection of red and yellow wavelengths.

9. Largest gold coin in the world - Behold, the glorious creation of the Perth Mint in Australia, crafted with unmatched precision and ingenuity, which is the One Ton Gold Kangaroo Coin. This colossal coin, minted back in 2012, boasts a staggering diameter of 80cm (31.5in) and a depth of 12cm (4.7in). What's more, it is forged from a whopping 1000kg (2,200 lbs) of pure gold, a feat that can only be achieved by the finest artisans in the world.

This grand masterpiece is not just a symbol of wealth and prosperity but also a testament to the minting expertise of the Perth Mint. With a face value of a million dollars, it was intended to be the centerpiece of the Australian Kangaroo Gold Bullion Coin Series and has become a glorious showpiece for all to marvel at. Although its face value may seem modest in comparison to its grandeur, the 1 Ton Gold Kangaroo Coin is a true masterpiece that transcends its mere monetary worth. When unveiled, this majestic coin was valued at a staggering 53 million dollars, cementing its place as a true triumph of coin minting and a testament to humankind's boundless creativity and skill.

10. Did you know that the coveted gold medals handed out at the Olympics are no longer made of pure gold? - The days of the solid gold prize are long gone, dating back to before the First World War. Nowadays, the gold medals are primarily composed of .925 grade silver and then given a light coating of just 6 grams of gold. But don't be too quick to dismiss the silver and bronze medals, as they, too, have their unique compositions. The silver medal, for instance, is made of solid .925 silver, while the bronze medal consists mainly of copper. It's worth noting that The Royal Mint minted the medals for the 2012 Olympics held in London.

However, it's been over a century since the last pure gold Olympic medals were awarded, which took place during the 1912 games. So, while the gleaming gold medals may still represent the highest level of athletic achievement, their actual makeup has evolved. The legacy of the Olympic games endures, and so does the value placed on these medals by athletes and fans.

So there you have it, ten amazing facts about gold that demonstrate just how versatile and fascinating this metal truly is. Whether you're a history buff, investor, or just someone who appreciates the finer things in life, there's no denying the enduring appeal of gold. From its use in ancient tombs to its role in modern technology, gold remains one of the most valuable and cherished substances on earth. So go ahead, put on your favorite gold bullion, grab some

gold bars, and bask in the glory of this great metal. Gold may not be able to buy happiness, but it sure can bring some sparkle to your life!

Gold Bullion Coins

Thinking of buying gold check out BOLD Precious Metals - one of the best online bullion dealer in the United States.

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About the Creator

Eric Smith

Financial Analyst since 2015 till present and Precious Metals Investor.

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