Gold was most likely first discovered as nuggets in its natural state, in streams found throughout the world.. It was also most likely the first metal known to humans. Its beauty, luster, malleability and resistance to tarnish made it unique as well as valuable.

In ancient times, gold was used to make shrines and idols, cups, plates, various vessels, and jewelry.

Gold, (symbol Au) has an atomic number of 79 (each atom has 79 protons in its nucleus).

The atomic mass of a gold atom is 196.967 and the atomic radius is 0.1442nm.

The melting point of pure gold is 1064°C

The electrical resistivity (electrical resistance) of gold is 0.022 micro-ohm m at 20 °C.

The thermal conductivity is 310 W m-1 K-1at the same temperature