What is gold? Gold is an element, that is, a substance with atoms that have an equal number of protons in their atomic nucleus. Other examples of elements are oxygen, hydrogen and sulphur. The substances that are not counted as elements instead consist of ions and atoms from a number of different elements, and sit together in a chemical compound or composition.
We usually associate the word gold with the malleable, yellow, shiny and heavy metal we see around us in everyday life. It has been used throughout history in many different ways, as an asset of value, in jewelry (such as rings , necklaces , earrings , and so on), as a means of payment, and for adornment. Many cultures see it to this day as the most valuable metal. This has led to first prize in competitions usually being given in the form of a gold medal which may contain more or less pure gold.
We usually associate the word gold with the malleable, yellow, shiny and heavy metal we see around us in everyday life. It has been used throughout history in many different ways, as an asset of value, in jewelry (such as rings , necklaces , earrings , and so on), as a means of payment, and for adornment. Many cultures see it to this day as the most valuable metal. This has led to first prize in competitions usually being given in the form of a gold medal which may contain more or less pure gold.
How to make gold?
Since gold is an element that occurs in nature, it is usually extracted from the bedrock. Other minerals and metals are also found here in large quantities. One method of extracting gold is to wash it, which is the method that has been used the longest historically. Washing is carried out in a river near a mountain. A sink is used to separate gold grains from pebbles and sand.Gold can also be extracted from bedrock. A mine is opened and stone ore is mined, which may contain gold. The rock ore is crushed and then mixed with a solution containing sodium cyanide. It separates out the gold as gold cyanide. As the next step, zinc is mixed into the solution, which separates silver and gold via condensation. The zinc is separated out with sulfuric acid and results in a molten ball. When everything has been melted down, it is sent on to be purified in a smelter where the final precious metal is produced. Of the gold that is mined, half is used for jewelry, while 10% goes to industry. The remaining 40% is used for gold bars, coins and other investment objects.
