Gold Facts
Chemical Symbol Au
Atomic number 79
Atomic weight 196.97
Solid
Soft shiny yellow metal
Has no smell or taste
The name gold comes from the Latin word "aurum", meaning glow of sunrise.
Gold is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity.
Corrosion resistant.
It does not tarnish in the air.
Gold is unreactive and does not easily form compounds.
The purity of gold is measured in carats. Pure gold is known as 24 carat gold.
Gold readily creates alloys with many other metals. It is often alloyed with copper and silver.
Gold dissolves in mercury, forming amalgam alloys.