The attributes of gold make it one of the world’s most valuable metals. Its special
properties allow it to be used in ways that are beneficial in all sorts of industries. Some
of these industries being electronics, dentistry/medicine, aerospace and of course
jewelry.
The most significant modern utilization of gold is in the production of electronics. A small
quantity of gold can be discovered in our everyday electronics such as phones,
calculators, computers, GPS units, televisions, etc. These solid state electronic devices
function by utilizing currents and very low voltages, which can easily cause tarnish and
corrosion. Gold is the perfect conductor to transport these small currents because of its
lack of corrosion properties. It is also able to be pressed flatter than any other metal,
allowing it to fit in all sorts of devices, big or small. Devices that contain gold
components are faster and more reliable than others.
For nearly 3,000 years gold has been used in dentistry. It is one of the oldest materials
used in this industry to help restore and align teeth. There are many benefits when it
comes to using gold in dentistry, the most vital one being that it is bio compatible. This
means that the human body wont have any negative/toxic reactions. Gold is durable
and seals well, meaning it reduces the chances of bacteria and can last for years. Due
to the fact that times are changing with medicine and technology, the use of gold in
dentistry has also evolved. What it may have been used for years ago, may not be its
primary use today. Regardless, there is always use for gold in this industry.
The use of gold in aerospace is riveting. The complexity when it comes to building a
spacecraft, satellite or any devices being launched into outer space is mind blowing.
Every aspect has to be carefully examined and must be perfectly built and executed.
With that being said the best of best should be used when dealing with such
sophisticated and complex machines. The fact that gold is the perfect conductor and
connector it is used for aeronautical circuitry. Gold will be able to sustain well without
lubrication and will not require much maintenance or repair for long periods of time.
Gold is also used in space suits! In order to protect astronauts from radiation and the
sun, a thin layer of gold is added to space suits. Gold’s reflective properties protect the
astronauts from the sun’s burning rays and heat. It can be said that this is the more
“glamorous” part of the aerospace industry.
The use of gold in the Jewelry industry is the most known. For thousands of years gold
has been used to make jewelry and decorative objects. According to statistics and
research, about 78% of gold that is newly mined or recycled is used to manufacture
jewelry. Now what makes gold the perfect metal for manufacturing jewelry, other than
the fact that it’s enticing? Gold properties include tarnish resistance and high luster. It
also has the ability to be molded and sculpted into all sorts of shapes and sizes. Its
beauty is also very alluring to the human eye. Other than its physical properties, through
tradition and social standards any piece of jewelry or object made of gold, is looked at
as more prestigious.
Although gold is used a lot in all these industries, it does not mean that it is the less
expensive option, it’s actually more expensive than any other precious metal. The
reason its used so much is because its properties make it the best option. The uses of
gold in some industries have only just started in the past few decades. The use and
demand for gold only increases as time goes on. It truly is a timeless metal.