The most unexpected uses of gold

Why is gold so valuable? Among many other reasons, it is due to the multiple uses it has within different industries. Beyond the most well-known ones, there are many other that might surprise you.

We all know it is used in jewelry, which is actually the most common use of this precious metal worldwide. But, where else is it present? This are some of its most surprising uses:

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The use of gold is now common in nouvelle cuisine, which focuses on food presentation. As gold is considered a non-toxic metal, some chefs use it in a pretentious and hedonistic gesture as a food additive that can also raise the price of the dish.

If NASA is using it, it must be good. And it is. Gold is not only resistant to explosions, radiation and high temperatures. It’s also a great conductor of electricity.

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Gold is also plated ultra-thin over the windshields of jets, where an electric current flows through to de-ice the windows at high altitudes.

Not too long ago, it was very  common to see people with crowns, bridges, braces, even full sets of golden teeth.

Although not as common as before, gold is still used in dentistry today, usually in smaller quantities, for tooth restoration and in some orthodontic accessories.

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For centuries, gold has been a common element in the creation of art, especially religious art. In both sculpture and painting, its use added value to the creation.

Gold is a tremendous conductor of electricity, which is why it has become a highly valued element in the manufacture of electronics, such as televisions, telephones or tablets. In fact, when recycling these devices, it is one of the first elements that is sought.

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It’s also present inside larger and more complex computers, that requiere a way bigger amount of this precious metal.

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There are certain treatments that contain small particles of radioactive gold isotopes, which are very useful for radiation treatments against cancer. In addition, it is also used in certain tools in the sector.

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Gold is not only very resistant but also biocompatible, it is a material used in implants such as pacemakers or artificial prostheses.

Moreover, the company NanoLipo is developing a safer alternative to liposuction by using and injection of gold nano particles that melts fat for easy removal.

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Gold has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and, especially, anti-aging properties that are highly valued in cosmetics. Obviously, the quantities used are tiny or the price would be unaffordable.

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Although it may not seem like it, gold is a very flexible material and one ounce can create an 8-kilometre-long thread. In fact, gold thread has been a regular part of fashion for centuries, especially in the clothing of kings and queens.

In addition to having various gold uses, there are different levels of purity and different colors (24 carat gold is 99.99% pure). Its colors are yellow (18 to 24 carats), white (75% gold and 25% white metals), pink (gold with silver and copper) and red (copper). There is also green, black, blue and gray gold.

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So even if gold has long been considered a symbol of wealth, it has many everyday uses. It’s a very valuable resource for humans even if its price fluctuates often. According to experts, the precious metal is always a safe investment.

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