The Science of a Noble Metal

Gold, by any standard, is unusual. It resists chemical corrosion and tarnish-attack by acids and oxygen. It is highly reflective and an excellent conductor of electricity. Gold is dense but soft; it can be readily stretched, beaten and molded. It is prized for its rich color, luster and rarity; it is the only yellow-colored native metal. But what makes gold truly unique is that it combines all of these properties.