Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Properties of Gold

Gold has the atomic symbol Au and the atomic number 79. It is very dense, but can be easily combined in alloys.

Pure gold is a yellow, lusterous, dense, malleable, ductile, soft, and resist oxidation from air and water. However, the metal can resist attacks from individual acids but dissolves in certain mixtures of acids. The substance melts at 1065.18 degrees Celsius. The element fairs very well in environments of air, moisture, corrosive agents, or other chemical forces.

The price of gold is decided by purity and its weight. Pure gold, also known as 24K gold, is very malleable and ductile. However, when it is made into an alloy, whether 18K (75% gold) or 14K (58.3% gold), it is more durable and practical for everyday use

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