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What is Gold? A Complete Introduction
Gold is a dense, soft, malleable metal with unique physical, chemical and monetary properties. Learn what makes gold special.
What is Gold?
Gold is a chemical element with symbol Au (from Latin *aurum*) and atomic number 79. It is one of the most sought-after precious metals in the world, valued for millennia as a store of wealth, a medium of exchange and a symbol of luxury.
Key properties
- Extremely dense: 19.32 g/cm³
- Highly malleable and ductile
- Excellent conductor of electricity
- Does not tarnish or corrode
- Symbol on markets: XAU
Why gold matters
Gold is used as an investment, a hedge against inflation, jewelry, and in electronics and medicine. Central banks hold gold as part of their reserves.