Gold (7440-57-5) – find manufacturers and suppliers

Gold (Au) is a shiny yellow, soft precious metal that is highly resistant to corrosion, conducts well and is extremely malleable.

The significance of gold extends far beyond its material value - it has cultural, economic, technological and even spiritual dimensions.

Below you will find an overview of the physical properties, extraction and main producing countries of gold, as well as an overview of its use and its symbolic and cultural significance:

Physical properties of gold:

1. Symbol: Au (from Latin Aurum)
2. Atomic number: 79
3. Density: 19.32 g/cm³
4. Melting point: 1,064 °C
5. Boiling point: 2,856 °C
6. Color: Metallic yellow
7. Hardness (Mohs): 2.5-3
8. Malleability: Extremely ductile and malleable. A wire of over 2 km can be drawn from 1 g of gold or a sheet of 1 m² can be beaten.
9. Electrical conductivity: Very good. The best conductive metal after silver.
10. Corrosion resistance: Does not react with air or water - does not tarnish.

Extraction of gold:

Gold was formed by supernova explosions and the collision of neutron stars billions of years ago.
It entered the interior of the earth during its formation. The gold used today comes from the earth's crust or alluvions (river deposits).

Primary deposits: Gold in quartz veins and rocks.

Secondary deposits: Gold placers in rivers (released by erosion).

Main gold-producing countries (2024):

1. China approx. 10-12 %
2. Australia approx. 10 %
3. Russia approx. 9-10 %
4. Canada approx. 6-7 %
5. USA approx. 6 %
6. South Africa: Formerly the leader, today smaller quantities.

Use of gold:

1. Economy and finance:
Investment gold: bars, coins (e.g. Krugerrand, Maple Leaf).
Currency reserve: Central banks hold gold reserves as collateral.
Inflation protection: Popular in times of crisis.

2. Jewelry industry:
More than 50% of the gold mined worldwide is processed into jewelry.
Used in alloys e.g. white gold, red gold.

3. Electronics and technology:
Contacts and connectors e.g. smartphones, laptops and electronic devices.
On circuit boards, especially in space technology and satellites.

4. Medicine:
Dentistry e.g. gold crowns.
Gold nanoparticles in cancer diagnostics and therapy.

5. Art and culture:
Gilding e.g. frames, statues, church domes.
Religious and ceremonial objects e.g. Buddhist temples, icons.

Symbolic and cultural significance of gold:

The significance of gold extends far beyond its material value - it has cultural and even spiritual dimensions.

• For thousands of years, gold has been a symbol of wealth and authority (e.g. crowns, sceptres, thrones).
• In jewelry and art, gold stands for the imperishable and the sublime.
• Used in temples, churches, rituals and icons - as a symbol of purity and divinity.
• Gold is worn as a sign of success, luxury and social status.

Gold occurs in nature in its pure form and has been used for thousands of years as a precious metal, jewelry, currency and in technology. It is regarded worldwide as a symbol of wealth, stability and prestige.

Here you will find the most important aspects to consider when buying gold.

Both as a private investor and as an institutional investor or trader, you should pay attention to the following points when purchasing gold to ensure quality, security, performance and legality.

• When buying gold, pay attention to the purity, the certificate of authenticity, the form and whether the gold has been alloyed:
• Purity: Specified in parts per thousand 999.9 = 99.99 % is pure gold.
• Certificate of authenticity: This is important for bars and coins - usually from LBMA-certified manufacturers.
• Form: Bars 1 g to 1 kg, coins e.g. Krugerrand, Maple Leaf, gold granules, jewelry gold.
• Alloys: For jewelry often 585 (58.5 %) or 750 (75 %) gold - investment gold should be as pure as possible (999).
• Only buy from trustworthy dealers / suppliers. Please note:
• Certifications: LBMA-certified, TÜV tested, ISO-compliant.
• Familiarity & reputation: Reviews, industry experience, market position.
• Registered office & regulation: In which country is the trader registered? Is it subject to financial supervision?
• Transparency & advice: Disclosure of prices, fees, origin and storage conditions.
• What about pricing and fees? Please note the following points here:
• Current gold price: Based on the international spot price (ounce in USD).
• Premium (spread): Mark-up on the spot price (depending on size, shape, manufacturer).
• Storage and shipping costs: Especially for larger quantities or storage in a high-security vault.
• Currency risk: Gold is usually traded in USD - therefore pay attention to the exchange rate.
• Also clarify the aspects of storage and security before buying.
• Home storage: No storage fees, but higher risk of theft.
• Bank safe deposit box: Safe, but possibly not insured and inaccessible in the event of a crisis.
• Special storage (e.g. Zurich, Frankfurt, Singapore): Highly secure, insured, professional safekeeping.
• Certificates of deposit / vault gold: Direct ownership with a depository - often cheaper and liquidly tradable.
• The following legal and tax aspects need to be considered:
• Definition of investment gold: Must meet certain criteria e.g. fineness ≥ 995 for bars.
• VAT: Investment gold is VAT-free in many countries, e.g. Germany, Switzerland.
• Speculation period (Germany): Tax-free on sale after 12 months.
• Customs & import regulations: Take care when importing/exporting - observe declaration requirements.

Buying gold requires a thorough analysis of the market, the selection of reputable dealers and secure storage strategies. Sound knowledge of prices, quality and tax aspects is essential in order to minimize risks and secure long-term benefits.

Gold can be purchased from various providers. Comprehensive information on gold suppliers from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.