08/17/2026
Gold segment. Volume 2
Gold is a dense, soft, yellow chemical element with the symbol Au and atomic number 79. As a precious metal, spot gold trades around $4,398 per troy ounce, driven by central bank reserves, global economic uncertainty, and high investment demand.
Physical Properties & Characteristics
Chemical Symbol: Au (from Latin aurum)
Atomic Number: 79
Purity Measure: Measured in karats (24k is pure gold)
Traits: Highly malleable, ductile, and resistant to corrosion or tarnish.
Major Uses
Investment: Bullion coins (like the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf) and bars used to hedge against inflation.
Jewelry: Frequently alloyed with other metals like copper, silver, or nickel for durability.
Technology: Used in electronics, aerospace, and computing due to its excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.