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The chemical symbol for gold is AU from the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora. Gold is one of the first metals to be discovered by man around 5000 BC. This soft metal with a bright yellow lustre has been held in great esteem throughout history and is still highly valued even today, being mined in 60 countries around the world.
Gold can be traced back to ancient Egypt with its exquisite objects and artefacts which adorned tombs of the Pharaohs, the famous of which being Tutankhamen whose tomb was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon. Examples of gold used by skilled craftsmen can be seen on relics from countries such as, Greece, China, Arabia and Mexico with Aztec and Inca artefacts.
Although gold today has many uses it is predominantly used as currency. Many countries buy gold as a safety net against fluctuating currencies and any economic and political crisis. Gold is bought in the form of bullion, coins or certificates.
Since it was first discovered, gold still remains a status symbol, a symbol of wealth and can dictate your place in society. Even a small gift, such as a pair of gold earrings, is perceived to special and valued. Gold will always hold its special appeal for generations to come. |