Elemental Gold

Gold is more than just coins and jewelry. It is an element and part of the periodic table. Gold’s atomic number is 79 and its atomic weight is 196.966569. Classified as a transition metal, the element gold is a solid at room temperature, melts at 1947.52º Fahrenheit (1064.18º Celsius) and boils at 5173º F (2856º C). There are 70 protons/electrons in gold and 118 neutrons.

The word gold actually comes from the Sanskrit word jval, while gold’s chemical symbol—AU—is derived from the Latin word for gold, aurum. Human beings have known about gold for at least 5,500 years.

The shiny, malleable, and ductile metal can be found easily in nature, often however it is found with other metals and elements such as copper, silver, quartz, or zinc. Approximately one milligram of gold is actually dissolved in every ton of ocean water, but it is too expensive to extract it. Scientists have estimated that all of the currently refined gold could be contained in a cube measuring about 65 feet on one side.

The majority of the gold produced in the United States comes from South Dakota and Nevada. Worldwide, two-thirds of global gold output is extracted from South Africa. Significant quantities of gold are also mined in Canada and Russia. In all, about 1,400 tons of gold are produced a year.

Sell Gold at BrokenGold™! It's easy, just put your gold or old jewlery in the prepaid envelope and send it to us. You will receive a check 24 hours after we receive your gold or other jewelry. It is that easy! We have gained an excellent reputation on the web and have an ever-growing list of satisfied customers. If you have questions take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Learn More:

• Elemental Silver

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Gold was first discovered thousands of years ago in its natural state, in streams, which lead to mining all over the world. Its brilliance, natural beauty, great malleability and resistance to tarnish made it enjoyable to work with. Gold gave rise to the concept of money itself. Today gold is used for jewelry fabrication, industrial application, and medical uses, by governments and central banks and by private investors.