Gold

Gold was an extremely valuable metal in Middle-earth.
==History==
Gold was present in the deeps of Arda since its creation by Eru. It was most likely discovered by the Vala Aulë, the great smith, for he was the first to make use of it. Afterwards, gold was used by all speaking peoples of Arda, particularly the Dwarves and the Ñoldor.
It was used as currency and jewelry, among other things. It was to be found all over Arda, particularly in mountainous places where the Dwarves lived and worked. Many dragons coveted gold.
The great smiths of the Dwarves and Elves would forge gold in incredible works of skill and beauty, gilding great armor and weapons, as well as crafting amazing jewelry. Even the Valar prized and appreciated gold, working some of the greatest artifacts known.
==Etymology & names==
Malta/laurë was the word for gold in Quenya, and malt/mall was the Sindarin translation.
People whose names include a reference to gold: 
*Strangely, there aren't any canon ones known.
Places and things whose names have a gold reference in them:
*Mallorn (type of tree that grew in Aman, Númenor, and Lothlórien)
*Mallos (a type of golden flower)
*Maltar (Aulë's hammer in The Book of Lost Tales Part One)
*Laurelin (Quenya for 'singing/hanging-gold?'; one of the Two Trees of Valinor)
==Gold creations==
*Gate of Gold
*Nauglamír
*The One Ring
==Other precious metals & minerals==
* Arkenstone of Thráin
* Mithril
* Silver
Category:Minerals and metals
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