Gold Gold - Au General Information Discovery Gold was known to ancient civilisations, and has always been a valued metal. It is a soft metal with a characteristic yellow colour and sheen. Source Gold is found in nature both free in veins and combined in alluvial deposits. About two thirds of the world's output comes from South Africa.
Refining is usually by electrolysis, but gold in ores is recovered by a smelting process.
Uses Gold is used for coinage and is a standard for monetary systems in many countries. It is also used extensively in jewellery. Gold is used in dental work, and the isotope 198 Au, with a half-life of 2.7 days, is used for treating cancer. A gold compound is used in certain cases to treat arthritis. Another gold compound is used in photography for toning the silver image.