GOLD

Mankind is fascinated by this shining, yellow and easily malleable metal since ancient times. Gold is supposed as the first ever metal that was discovered by humans. It is discovered long before copper and iron were discovered. We have a copper age and an iron age in the long history of evolution. There is no Gold age, though every prosperous period is called as golden age. Mankind just loved the metal at fist sight. Mankind’s love for it is still growing.

 

The lustrous, brilliant and flawless purity lured humans. As the metal is widely spread around the globe, though in limited quantities, each and every early human settlement knew of Gold and made it as a part of their respective cultures. It is remarkably easy to work with Gold. It is relatively stable metal. It does not mix with other elements easily. So it can be mined in near pristine condition.

 

Most of this metal is used to make ornaments and jewelry as it is not hard to work with it. Because of its long lasting quality Gold is associated with power and prestige. Icons of Gods and Goddesses were mostly made of Gold. Kings and queens were adorned with it. In some cultures people use it to mark auspicious occasions.

 

Long before the concept of exchange and money were envisaged by mankind Gold commanded good value. Humans never minded enormous hardships they faced in searching for Gold. It became the most sought after commodity. Men fought wars, crawled into bowels of earth, traveled considerable distances and coped up with strenuous work to own this glorifying metal. Now Gold is a standard form of exchange as its value is recognized globally.

 

Though three quarters of the metal produced annually is used for making jewelry and for other ornamental purposes, it has many other uses. Its uses in fields of Space, Photography, Nanotechnology, Electronics, Fuel Cells, Biomedical and Dentistry are well known. In Space related applications Gold is used because of it has good conductivity, resistance to corrosion and reflectivity. Vital parts of space craft are wrapped with Gold wrappers to keep them safe from harmful radiation.

 

In photography, it is used to make stabilize photographs using a technique called Chrysotype. It is used to purify water, control emissions from internal combustion engines and chemical factories. It is used in Ayurvedic medicines, anti-cancer drugs, in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and as surgical implants. Gold is still the best material available to make dentures. Gold is used as a catalyst in fuel cells, making and purification of Hydrogen. Superfine Gold wafers are used in preparing exotic dishes