Gold has held an enduring allure thousands years. This precious metal has remained a symbol elegance and wealth. Scientists have discovered how it stays such pristine condition and never loses its shine. Researchers Tulane University in New Orleans found that gold does not rust or change colour because the structure of atoms on its surface. Dr Matthew Montemore wrote that the atoms naturally rearrange themselves unique zigzag patterns that minimize chemical reactions oxygen. He said: "This makes the gold much more resistant to oxidation." As a result, it does not become discoloured, even centuries exposure to the elements.
A low level reactivity to oxygen is called chemical nobility. Gold is the most noble all metals. Its resistance to bonding oxygen means it maintains its shininess thousands of years. It is also one the most malleable metals, which means it can easily be hammered thin sheets. Gold can be beaten to a thickness less than 0.1 micrometres — a hundred times thinner than a human hair. Its pure form is why humans have used gold jewellery and currency more than 5,000 years. It also has important uses electronics, dentistry, spacecraft technology, and medicine. The researchers believe it will continue to be integral industrial applications.
