Gold is found naturally in metallic form, being extremely inert to chemical reactions. Gold is also found as in inclusions in quartz , much like rutilated quartz or tourmalinated quartz . Gold is typically melted down, alloyed with other metals for form jewelry, or bullion . Gold having a hardness of 2.5, is too soft for most jewelry, and is alloyed with other metals down to 14 or 18 karat gold. 10 karat gold is still legally called gold, but is very cheap and should be avoided.
Gold is attractive, wears well and has been used in jewelry and for coins for millenia.
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