gold: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 13, 2026

News •

Justin Long, Banks Pierce & Katy Mixon Greer Cast In 'Slater's Gold' • Nov. 11, 2026, 11:47 AM ET (Deadline)

Why gold prices are surprisingly low : Planet Money • Nov. 6, 2026, 7:00 AM ET (NPR)

Copper is outshining gold this year. Investors say the rally can survive an AI correction • Oct. 20, 2026, 1:57 AM ET (CNBC)

Facts

Also Known As	Au • aurum

Photos and Videos

A diagram showing the periodic table entry for gold, with the symbol Au, atomic number 79, atomic weight 196.96657, electron configuration, and labels for its properties as a solid transition metal with a face-centered cubic crystal structure.

Gold funerary mask of Tutankhamun

leaf formation on gold

Several gold nuggets, flakes, and dust scattered on a dark surface.

Klondike Gold Rush

Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia: gold mine

A gold bar stamped with weight, purity, and certification marks sits on a reflective golden surface.

What is nanogold?

Observe mining methods used during the California Gold Rush

Chinese sculpture during the Han dynasty examined

The Significance of Gold in Inca Civilization

The fading tradition of gold prospecting in Costa Rica

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Topics

goldreef How is gold formed?gold processing Gold-plated investing strategy? Shiny metal and your portfolio silver The gold-silver ratio: Industrial growth, flights to safety, and storing value gold standard Do gold and other precious metals have a place in your retirement portfolio?gold rush gold reserve hydrogen carbon sodium nitrogen sulfur phosphorus boron iodine fluorine zinc

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Key People

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Jay Gould

American financier

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Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe

South African businessman

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Barney Barnato

British financier

caricature of James Fisk

James Fisk

American financier

John Hays Hammond

John Hays Hammond

American engineer

Model of a molecule. Atom, Biology, Molecular Structure, Science, Science and Technology. Homepage 2010 arts and entertainment, history and society

Science Quiz

Concept artwork on the periodic table of elements.

118 Names and Symbols of the Periodic Table Quiz

Periodic Table of the elements concept image (chemistry)

Facts You Should Know: The Periodic Table Quiz