Gold is a chemical element (Au) that occurs naturally in the universe.
Science tells us that it is produced under extreme pressure found in
supernovas.
These stellar explosions blasted gold particles into space where they
eventually condensed with the gases and rocks that created our own solar
system. Most of EarthâÂÂs gold sank to its core while the planet was still
molten â where it remains beyond the reach of man.
Gold mined near the surface was probably deposited later by asteroid
bombardment.
The total amount of gold recovered since the beginning of civilization is
estimated at less than 175,000 tonnes. That amount would fit into a cube
measuring just 20.7 metres on each side!
Although some of it has been lost at the bottom of the ocean, every ounce
mined still exists today. ThatâÂÂs because gold is chemically inert -
resistant to corrosion and oxidation, and virtually impossible to destroy.
A heavy, dense metal, gold is also soft and extremely
malleable. Did you know that an ounce of gold can be beaten into a sheet
covering nearly 30 square metres and drawn into a thread more than 80
kilometres long?
