The chemical formula for gold is Au, which is its periodic table symbol. The symbol comes from the Latin word for gold, "aurum."
Gold is a highly valued metal that has been known about for roughly 5,500 years. It can sometimes be found on its own, but it is more often found mixed with silver, quartz, lead, zinc and copper. There is also approximately 1 milligram of gold dissolved in every ton of seawater, but it would cost more to extract it than the gold is worth. Gold is valuable because it is malleable, a good conductor of heat and electricity and does not tarnish when exposed to air. Plus, it sparkles which pleases jewelry lovers.
