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What Is Gold?

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Gold is a chemical element that has amazing physical characteristics that make it extremely well suited for use in jewelry making. Although it is easily shaped into many forms, gold is so durable that it is virtually indestructible. One ounce of gold can be hammered to 187 square feet, in extremely thin sheets called gold leaf. Gold does not tarnish or corrode. Gold can be re-melted and used again to create new designs.

The gold content of a piece of jewelry is measured in karats, which can range from 1 to 14. 14 karat gold is 14 parts of gold to 10 parts other metals. The higher the karat of a piece of jewelry, the greater its gold content. Karat should not be confused with the term carat, which is the measure of the weight of diamonds and other gemstones.

The history of gold extends back at least 6,000 years, with references to it being made in both Egypt and Mesopotamia. In ancient times, gold was thought to have healing properties when worn or even ingested. It is also mentioned several times in the Old Testament.

From Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the New World in 1492 to 1600, more than 8,000,000 ounces of gold came from South American. This was 35 percent of world production. The New World’s mines, especially those in Colombia, continued into the 17th and 18th centuries to account for 61 and 80 percent, respectively, of world production. 48,000,000 ounces were mined in the 18th century.

Russia became the world’s leading producer of gold in 1823, and for 14 years it contributed the bulk of the world supply. From 1850 to 1875, more gold was produced in the world than in all of the years since 1492, primarily because of discoveries in California and Australia. A third increase in gold production stemmed from discoveries in Alaska, Yukon Territory and South Africa. Gold production continued to rise throughout the 20th century, partly because of the improvement in recovery methods and partly because of the continual growth and expansion of South Africa’s gold mining operations.

Gold is also used in the medical industry because its infrared detection capabilities make it ideal for being traced throughout the body. And of course, dentists use 13 tons of gold every year.

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