Gold

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold
https://geology.com/minerals/gold/uses-of-gold.shtml

Properties

Physical & Chemical Properties

Of any metal worked by people, gold is the most malleable, meaning it is the one most easily reshaped.

Geology & Geography

Gold is found in deposits throughout the known world. Most commonly, it naturally occurs by itself or in combination with other metals or stone. A desirable state is when gold is found in the ground alongside silver, either as individual metals or as electrum.

History & Usage

Discovery

No one knows who first discovered gold, but it is possible the first people to do so probably discovered shiny yellow stones on the bank of a river somewhere. Before long, others found the same and learned they could heat and melt the stones quite easily and forge objects from them. Gold is the metal that humans have known about for the longest time, even more so than tin or copper or silver.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Due to its yellowish color, gold is associated with the Sun in many cultures. The metal's rarity also lends a connection to the ruling classes, because they are the only people who are able to afford any significant quantity.

Manufacturing & Products

Gold is often made into jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets, wore to denote a person's wealth and power. On rare occasions, it is stretched and used to decorate lavish buildings such as temples and palaces.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

Because gold can be found with other metals, such as silver, it needs to be separated before being used for its desired purposes.

Distribution

Storage

Gold is stored in several forms, such as ingots and bars. The kings and priests of the known world are known to hoard the material in large amounts.

⁷⁹Au

196.96657 units

Type

Metal

Value

Varies by polity

Rarity

Rare

Color

yellowish

Boiling / Condensation Point

3243 degrees Kelvin, 2970 degrees Celsius, ​or 5378 degrees Fahrenheit

Melting / Freezing Point

1337.33 degrees Kelvin, 1064.18 degrees Celsius, or ​1947.52 degrees Fahrenheit

Density

19.30 grams per cubic centimeter

Common State

solid