For many folks, gold is just metal that happens to be valuable. But for others, gold is a wonder material that enables modern life as we know it! We measure, melt, and recycle gold that comes from a variety of sources every day at MGS – so we know a thing or two about gold’s unique characteristics and uses. In our professional opinion, these are just some of the reasons why gold is so amazing.
Plasticity
Gold is so malleable that it can be rolled into semi-transparent sheets and so ductile that it can be pulled into wires small enough to use in semiconductors. You could say gold is the Play-Doh of metals.
Reactivity
Gold is one of the least reactive elements on the Periodic Table. It doesn’t react with oxygen, so it never rusts or corrodes. Gold is also resistant to most bases (with the exception of potassium cyanide) and acids (with the exception of aqua regia). In fact, gold’s acid resistance is one of the reasons why our acid assays are so accurate.
Conductivity
Gold is a very good conductor of heat and electricity. Since gold never corrodes and can be molded to any shape, it’s used to make long lasting electrical connectors in all types of devices.
Energy Reflectance
Gold is a good reflector of electromagnetic radiant energy, including radio waves, infrared, and ultraviolet radiation. As such, its often used in aerospace applications to provide protective coatings for things like satellite components and space suits.
