Areas of application of gold: where is the “king of metals” used?
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Since ancient times, gold has been called the “king of metals” for its unique properties. The precious metal does not fade and retains its distinctive shine for thousands of years.
Due to its resistance to various types of external influences, gold has traditionally been used as a currency, remaining a symbol of wealth. And it has not lost its relevance as an asset even in the era of digital money. However, the scope of use of the precious metal is not limited to just finance. Where else is gold used?
Jewelry industry
Many of us probably saw gold for the first time in the window displays of jewelry stores, namely in the form of jewelry. In particular, rings, bracelets, earrings, chains and pendants are made from the precious metal. However, jewelers rarely use pure gold for these purposes: in most cases it is alloyed with other metals for extra strength.
Electronics manufacturing
Chemists classify gold as a group of inert or noble metals. This is the name for elements that hardly react with other substances. By the way, thanks to this property, the precious metal is invulnerable to corrosion and is highly resistant to acids. Gold is also valued for its good electrical conductivity and refractoriness.
Physical and chemical properties of the precious metal make it indispensable for the production of electronic components. In particular, gold is used in the manufacture of:
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smartphones;
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tablets;
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televisions;
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computers;
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touch screens and sensors;
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microcircuits, boards, memory chips;
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electrical wires;
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cars and other types of transport;
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industrial equipment.
The aforementioned inertia of the metal ensures the reliability of electronic components: parts made of gold are durable.
In the photo: gold-plated cable connectors for electronics assembly.
Cosmonautics
A thin layer of gold plating can reflect infrared radiation. Therefore, the precious metal is widely used in the aerospace industry. Gold is also used in the production of jet engines and spacecraft. Gold sputtering is not destroyed by radiation or significant temperature changes.
NASA engineers use gold in the production of satellite mirrors and solar panels, as well as to protect shuttles from overheating and radiation. A thin layer of the precious metal is also applied to astronauts’ helmets.
In the photo: thermal insulation of a satellite using gold foil.
Dentistry
Gold is used in the manufacture of dental caps, dental bridges and other structures used in dentistry. Due to its chemical stability, the precious metal cannot be damaged by saliva and acids contained in food. It easily takes the given shape, simplifying the work of the dental technician.
In the photo: gold dental crowns for teeth.
Cosmetology
The “king of metals” is also used in the beauty industry. Gold is an antioxidant. In other words, it helps fight skin aging. The chemical element is present in creams and other cosmetics.
In the photo: nourishing cream with added gold.
The beneficial properties of gold make it an incredibly valuable asset. The demand for the precious metal is constantly growing, which means that its value is growing too.
It is for this reason that more and more people are interested in gold as a financial asset. Both countries and large organizations, as well as private individuals, invest money in purchasing the precious metal.
Read also the article:
How does gold protect glasses from fogging up?
