Gold

A precious metal

This article was written for Summer Camp 2024. Therefore it is unpolished and lacking formatting and information. Feel free to comment with any questions or requests for clarification.

Gold is one of the most desired metals in all of Etrea, usually unearthed in veins below the ground, though occasionally nuggets can be discovered on the surface. Though pure gold can be found, it can also be mixed with other materials, such as quartz or roshinite. Pure gold is bright yellow in colour, which makes it stand out from most other metals in Etrea, which are generally various shades of grey.
Gold artefacts dating back to the Renewal have been excavated on almost very continent, from grave gifts to ceremonial cups. Throughout history, gold has been used as a basis for currency, whether as the coinage itself or as a comparitive value; more than ninety percent of Etrea today uses gold as their main currency.
Part of the appeal of gold is in its properties. It is a malleable metal, able to be carved into exquisitely detailed statues or stretched into thin wire. It can even be used as thread in embroidery. Pure gold does not tarnish or rust, which makes it desirable for items that are expected to be in use a long time, such as jewellery or religious idols. Unusually, it is used in various cuisines around the world, often for decoration and to make a dish more extravagant.
Turning other elements into gold is one of the main goals of the science of alchemy. It has not yet succeeded.