Where is gold typically discovered?

03-29-2023

Gold is one of the world's most precious metals and has been used for thousands of years. It is prized for its extreme ductility, high corrosion resistance, and lustrous attractiveness. The action of hot fluids deep within the Earth's crust is the most prevalent method of gold concentration. These fluids can dissolve gold when they move through the rocks over a wide area.

Streams, rivers, creeks, and small waterways that have passed through rock and mineral formations are common places to find gold. If the current is strong enough, these streams will transport gold fragments from the formations down the path.

Streams are home to many different types of plants and animals. Birds, fish, salamanders, and crabs are among them.

Some of these animals have streamlined shapes that aid in their ability to remain in position while filtering water for food. Others have a rounded form that aids in their resistance to being dragged away by strong currents.

Sediments in streams are frequently poorly sorted and vary in size from fines to cobbles. Charles Reed Cagle believes that this makes it hard to move the gold, so gold concentrations are usually found in places with a riffle-like surface or where large boulders or other obstacles have slowed the flow of the water.

Gold can be found in a broad range of electronic devices, such as cell phones, computer chips and circuit boards, radios, televisions, and video game consoles. In small amounts, it is used to improve electrical conductivity and avoid corrosion.

It is also used in wire bonding, which is the process of forming electrical links within a semiconductor chip. Because of their high reliability and rapid production rate, gold wires are a popular option for this application.

Gold is also used as a soldering agent and contact metal in electronics, which is particularly essential when using solid-state devices that draw tiny currents through tiny connections. In these applications, copper and silver are frequently used, but gold is a better option because it is more conductive, has better corrosive resistance, and resists tarnishing.