1. Gold in Industry: 300 tonnes of gold are consumed annually for industrial applications. Its properties of malleability, ductility, reflectivity, resistance to corrosion and unparalleled ability as a thermal and electrical conductor make it the perfect medium for a wide variety of technical applications.

1.1. Electronics use gold plating of such contacts in switches, relays and connectors.

1.1.1. telephone, televisions and washing machines

1.1.2. computers

1.1.2.1.Every time you touch a key on your computer it strikes a gold circuit that relays your command to the computer's microprocessor.

1.1.3. Air bag systems fitted in more than 30 million cars around the world rely on gold-coated electrical contacts

1.1.4. missiles and spacecraft

1.1.4.1.The rocket engines of American space shuttles are lined with gold-brazing alloys to reflect heat

2. Gold in medicine:

2.1. Gold is biocompatible and plays an important role in medical implants.

2.2. Gold-coated "stents" are inserted into clogged arteries to clear blood flow.

2.3. Other medical implants that contain gold are pace makers and insulin pumps

2.4. Gold is a very valuable metal in microsurgery of the ear.

2.5. Used in dentistry for almost 3000 years.

2.5.1. The Etruscans in the 7th century BC used gold wire to fix substitute teeth when their own were lost.

2.5.2. In the 16th century an early dental textbook recommended gold leaf for filling cavities.

3. Golden Money:

3.1. Golden beads may have served as the ancient money.

3.2. First coins cam out of Lydia in 600BC.

3.3. Circulated less as currency since the advent of paper currency.

3.4. Collected and traded extensively by collectors and investors.

4. Gold for Decoration:

4.1. Gold leaf adornments on the domes or ceilings of public buildings

4.2. Glass coated with a thin film of gold is designed in several modern buildings. 4.2.1. Gold reflects heat in summer and helps to retain it in winter.

4.2.2. One ounce of gold can cover a thousand square feet of glass.

4.2.3. This reflective glass can cut cooling and heating costs by 40%.

4.3. Decorative plating:

4.3.1. Costume jewelry, watchcases, pens and pencils.

4.3.2. Spectacle frames, bathroom fittings, china and glass.

5. Gold for Adornment:

5.1. Jewelry-Though gold jewelry has lost some of its popularity in the west, it remains a very important aspect of many other cultures.

5.1.1. In India, gold is given as a dowry to the bride.

5.1.1.1.Jewelry has long been the only asset a most Muslim or Hindu women could own in practice.

5.1.1.2.Insurance against possible future poverty.

5.1.2. In the Middle East, gold is used to flaunt one's wealth. 6. Gold for recognition and honor:

6.1. Trophies

6.1.1. The"Oscar": Its official name is the Academy Award of Merit although the true origin of its accepted nickname remains a mystery. "The Oscar is better now than it was 25 years ago because the gold content has been increased," says Owen R. Siegel, founder and CEO of R.S. Owens & Co., manufacturer of the statuettes. "I believe the Oscar contains more gold than any other famous award." The specific dollar value is a secret: "The Academy wants them to be considered priceless," says Siegel. But because of the simple design, he confides, "If there was no gold, they'd be worth less than $100 each."

6.1.2. The Kentucky Derby trophy: awards the winner of the most recognized contest in the international horse racing circuit.

6.1.3. The Golden Globe Award: one of the motion picture entertainment industry's most prestigious awards.

6.1.3.1.Believe it or not, the years before this trophy was designed, golden globes awards were given out on scrolls of paper!

6.2. Medals

6.2.1. Olympic gold medal for first place.

6.2.2. Gold Lifesaving Medal-For award to any member of the Coast Guard who rescues, or endeavors to rescue any other person from drowning, shipwreck, or other peril of the water.