Unexpected uses for gold that surprise you
A unique metal: Gold is the only metal that is yellow. Other metals may develop a similar color, but only after they have oxidized or reacted with other chemicals.
Gold in space: There is a small amount of gold in some meteorites and other space debris that fall to Earth.
Where does it come from: Nearly all the gold on Earth came from meteorites that bombarded the planet over 200 million years after it formed.
Its name: Au is the element symbol for gold and comes from the Latin name aurum, which means "shining dawn" or "glow of sunrise.
A noble metal: Gold is relatively unreactive and resists degradation by air, moisture, or acidic conditions.
All those karats: Pure elemental gold is 24 karats, while 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold.
Where to find gold: Gold is usually found in rivers and streams. This is because the flowing water washes away lighter materials.
Gold in seawater: While the concentration of gold in seawater is extremely low.
Golden plants: Some plant species are known to absorb trace amounts of gold from the soil.
Rocks and minerals: Gold is often found in small amounts in rocks and minerals, particularly in veins of quartz and sulfides.