Industrial Gold Usage Today
When people think of this precious metal, the first things that usually come to mind are gold bullion, investments and jewelery. Still, it is important for everyone to know that gold is used in many other areas too, one of which is industry. Each year, more than 10% of the total gold demand is industrial, which amounts to about 400 tons. This happens because it has many special qualities that make it practically irreplaceable.
Gold is a very good electrical and thermal conductor. It is malleable, extremely ductile and resistant to wear, so a tiny amount goes a long way. Being safe against all oxidant and corrosive processes, it is very profitable and remains free of tarnish even after a long period of time. Its only disadvantage is that it is rather soft, so it must often be alloyed with stronger metals, like silver, platinum or cobalt.
Being such an efficient conductor, it is very often used in electronics, to make all sorts of connectors and contacts. You can find gold in just about every piece of electronic equipment you have, including washing machines, television sets, mobile phones and pocket calculators. Even the connectors between microprocessors and the mother board of your computer are made out of gold alloys.
Another industrial department that puts gold to use is aeronautics. Many pieces of space shuttles are covered in gold, so as to reflect radiation and keep the temperature inside constant. It is also used as a lubricant for mechanical parts because of its resistance to friction and for coating the visors on the astronauts' helmets, in order to protect their eyes and skin from cosmic solar radiation.
Gold is also used as a red pigment in glass-making. Specialty glass containing gold reflects solar radiation and heat, so it can be successfully utilized in climate controlled buildings, in order to keep the temperature inside low however warm it may be outside.
Even if it is so heavily used in industry, our gold natural resources at safe, because this metal can be recycled and reused without losing its qualities. Recycled electronic devices are gathered in specialized centers and metals are extracted from them, maintaining the planet's reserves and making it safe for human kind to use gold for many years to come.
Article Source: FxTradingStock.com
About the Author
Let the professionals teach you how to buy gold bullion.
by: Jack Wogan
Total views: 39
Word Count: 387
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2010
Publish/Share this article
To use this article on your site click here to get the HTML code
Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote
Related Articles
How to Invest in 2011 and Beyond Without a ClueWhat Is Forex Trading?
Quick Way To Trade In Shares
ATM Calendar Spreads, Are You Aware Of The Hidden Gotchas?
Emini Day Trading Requirements
The Coming Death Of The Dollar
Fantastic Fundraising Suggestions
Winning Big In The Share Market
