What is the origin of gold ?

Man is in no way responsible for gold. He doesn't make it, but he uses it and models it. There are two main theories based on the appearance of this noble metal.

The supernova theory

Gold is a metal, and like all metals, it is governed by chemistry. But before we get there, let’s focus on the star explosion that created gold. One of the simplest chemical elements is hydrogen. It was the core of these great stars that exploded. The explosion creates gravitational overpressure, which gives rise to nuclear fusion. This step is important in the creation of gold because the hydrogen contained in the nuclei becomes heavier. It then transforms into oxygen, carbon and helium which, in turn, will become nickel and iron.

Little by little, the elements converge towards gold. When the cores of stars no longer have substance, the star permanently explodes. This last process is then called “supernova”. This supernova releases such violent energy that the protons and electrons (common to many nuclei) assemble into neutrons which will, in turn, agglomerate into iron to produce gold (but also gold). silver or uranium).

A collision between neutron stars ?

Stars contain many resources. The second theory is also based on it. A Harvard professor has hypothesized that the meeting of neutron stars formed gold. For him, the shock was of such intensity that repeated nuclear reactions occurred within the neutron clouds themselves. These chain reactions then created the precious metals we know today.

This whole process is very rapid and must have happened millions of years ago.

Why is there gold on Earth ?

There are two explanations that complement each other:

• Meteorites previously loaded with gold debris from supernovas crashed onto Earth. This is what scientists call “the great late bombardment”, around 4 billion years ago;
• Sulfur naturally present in the Earth's layers can cause gold to slip through cracks in the Earth. Thus, the gold easily rises to the surface.

On Earth, gold found itself stuck deep down, near the magma core. The Earth being alive, the rocks moved and streams of magma were able to flow through the different layers. When the magma began to cool, it left behind cracks. By comparison, we can take as an example the water of a stream which digs into the rock and leaves smooth furrows. The gold then seeped into these interstices, with the help of the trisulfide ion S3, to get closer to the earth's crust. This is why we find gold on Earth.

Different civilizations have always given an important place to gold. This precious metal has several symbols.

Who first discovered gold ?

The discovery of gold is not recent. It dates back to the Chalcolithic era. We cannot say precisely how gold was found, but the first traces of gold objects date back to 5,000 BC. JC. in Bulgaria. Gold was subsequently used for tiaras, bracelets, amulets, and many other adornments intended for the greatest in the world of the time.

We find traces of gold as money in Antiquity. Lydian kings, including Croesus, created round coins from gold and silver. This clever mixture is called “electrum”. This is the beginning of the monetization of gold, which will last for many centuries, until the 20th century in France.

Closer to us, the year 1848 marks a turning point in the discovery of gold. In California, on January 24, 1848, James Marshall found gold nuggets among the stones. A war between the United States and Mexico (then owner of California) then broke out and Mexico gave the territory to the United States. As soon as the president announced it in December 1848, the gold rush began. In just one year, more than 76 tonnes of gold are extracted.

Nowadays, there are several ways to find gold:

• Gold panning: a basin allows the presence of gold in the water to be analyzed;
• Extraction via mines.

The techniques for cleaning or agglomeration of gold require significant resources. The results vary, from gold particles to nuggets.

The gold found in our jewelry has been cut and modeled. There are no white or pink gold mines either. The natural color of gold is golden. The other colors are alloys made with other metals (silver, copper, etc.).

The symbolism of gold ?

Gold reflects the culture and outlook on life of different nations. The gold metal can therefore mean:

• Wealth and opulence: this is particularly the case in ancient civilizations. Kings, queens and even pharaohs were adorned with it. It is also a mark of devotion and respect towards the deities;
• The Sun: as an entity that gives life and light, but also perfection;
• Talent and success: gold is found in the medals received during the Olympic Games or competitions.

Nowadays, you can make a purchase of gold at Gold Union. Do not hesitate to meet Gold Union professionals in the agencies or via the e-commerce site. They will present the gold range to you and will support you in your efforts.