Chemically speaking, gold is a transition metal. Transition metals are unique, because they can bond with other elements using not just their outermost shell of electrons (the negatively charged particles that whirl around the nucleus), but also the outermost two shells.

What is unique about gold?

Gold is the most non-reactive of all metals and does not rust. Gold is so pliable that it can be made into sewing thread. Gold can conduct heat and electricity. Apart from copper and caesium, Gold is the only non-white coloured metal.

Is gold an element or a compound?

Gold is a chemical element with symbol Au and atomic number 79. Classified as a transition metal, Gold is a solid at room temperature.

How is gold formed and where does it come from?

Gold isn’t truly formed—at least, not on Earth. Gold, the shiny yellow metal prized for its beauty and malleability and used in many different industries, is actually created inside massive stars when they explode into a supernova. Of course, after a star supernovas and forms gold, the precious metal has to travel to Earth in some way.

What makes yellow gold different from white gold?

While yellow gold and white gold tend to be the most common in jewelry, other colors can be made by adding different metals to the gold. For instance, pink and rose gold is made by adding a higher ratio of copper, with the amount of copper added determining the hue. Green gold can be created by adding silver, copper, and zinc alloys.

What makes gold different from all other metals?

Gold is very different from other metals. The demand for gold largely revolves around its role as a store of value. Public perceptions affect that demand very strongly. One might say that gold is mankind’s security blanket, affording a feeling of abiding value, a sure haven in a period of economic storm.

Which is the most common color of gold?

While yellow gold and white gold tend to be the most common in jewelry, other colors can be made by adding different metals to the gold. For instance, pink and rose gold is made by adding a higher ratio of copper, with the amount of copper added determining the hue.