How is Gold Made: A Comprehensive Guide.

Key Takeaways

• Gold was formed around 4.6 billion years ago by the explosions brought about by a supernova.
• Gold was discovered by the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations in 4000 B.C.
• Hydrothermal and Magmatic processes play an important role in the formation of gold.
• There are two types of gold deposits i.e. primary and secondary deposits.

The Birth of Gold

Did you know that Earth came into existence with different layers formed on the planet? It was at this transformative period that heavy elements such as gold nestled in the Earth’s core!

As mentioned, Gold originated around the time our solar system came into existence, wherein Gold is said to have been formed in the stars amidst supernova explosions and the collision of neutron stars. Cosmic occurrences like these result in the creation of heavy metals such as the likes of gold and then release these elements into space, which are carried out through cosmic dust.

This dust journeys for over a billion years and possesses gold particles as well as other elements in the aftermath of the supernova explosion, leading to the formation of planets, stars, and even the solar system.

If you are intrigued by a detailed analysis of how is gold formed, click on the link below to learn all about the phenomenon -

When Was Gold Discovered?

Even though Gold has been held in the earth’s core for over a billion years, it was not until 4000 BC that the precious metal was discovered for the first time by the Mesopotamia and Egyptian civilizations. The people were awestruck by these shiny pieces of bright yellow that they found alongside streams while hunting or collecting water.

The 15th and 16th Centuries are also known as the Age of Exploration. They were instrumental in discovering regions with gold reserves in the Americas, which aided European economies in the beginning and also led to the establishment of trade networks among different parts of the globe.

The California Gold Rush in 1848 was an example of the Gold Rush, during a time period where the hunt for acquiring as much gold as possible was carried out extensively.

How Was Gold Formed on Earth?

When determining “how is gold formed,” you have to think about a billion years back, to a time when cosmic events resulted in the arrival of atoms possessing gold land on Earth. These atoms were transformed into deposits of gold over the course of millions of years through various geological cycles.

These cycles are also termed processes and include factors like the hydrothermal process, magmatic activities, and other geological activities that occur in the Earth’s crust, resulting in the creation of gold.

Let’s take a look at them in brief -

The theory is that the gold reserves in Earth’s crust originate from the same point as the reserves in the planet’s core and are backed by scientists as well.

A large part of the fraternity also believes that meteors and asteroids helped transport gold to the earth’s crust.

The Hydrothermal process is said to be one of the most important methods that played an important role in the formation of gold. The fluid formed under the crust then starts moving between the cracks and carries gold and other valuable minerals.

Once these fluids tend to cool down, the gold that it has carried starts dissolving and then leaks out of this composition, leading to the formation of “veins” of gold within rock structures.

The magmatic activities that occur during the formation of gold are also an important part of the elements’s cycle. Magma tends to carry a dissolved fluid-like structure of metals, including gold, that flow upwards to the surface of the Earth.

When the magma starts cooling down and turning into a solid structure, the metals within it will begin crystallizing towards the exterior of the structure.

The Earth's Structure Decides Where Gold Is Found

The hydrothermal and magmatic processes are pivotal in the formation of gold. They tend to possess certain requirements for geological conditions that are important for its functioning. These conditions range from certain rock types that need to be present to the right temperature needed to sustain the process.

These deposits are then exposed to humans over years of geological processes like tectonic movements, soil erosion, and other elements that present the gold deposits near the surface of the earth, leading to its mining.

Where Is Gold Found?

Gold can be found in different regions of the world, with differences in the conditions that were pivotal in the formation of this gold.

Generally, there are two types of gold deposits which are -

Primary gold deposits: refer to those geological conditions that have created a natural environment for gold. They tend to be alongside areas that are situated at the edge of tectonic plates or located in regions that have active volcanoes. There are two types of primary gold deposits, which are -

Vein deposits: These deposits are formed as hydrothermal liquids with gold flowing within in between the cracks and fractures of these rock structures. Once the fluids cool down, they take the shape of veins on these rocks, making them valuable.

Disseminated deposits: These deposits consist of tiny particles of gold scattered throughout the rock structures surrounding them instead of vein-like structures.

They tend to form around igneous rocks, which aids in gold’s dissemination amidst the sulfide minerals.

Secondary gold deposits: are the other types of gold deposits. They are also popularly known as placer deposits, as they tend to be formed during the breaking of the primary gold deposits owing to erosion, weathering, or other issues. The gold particles are released during this process and migrate to different locations.

Gold tends to be heavy and does not corrode easily; hence, it can accumulate alongside riverbeds or streams.

How much gold is in the world?

• A recent study by the US Geological Survey (USGS) revealed that almost 244,000 metric tonnes of gold have been mined over the course of countless centuries.
• This means that 7.8 billion troy ounces of gold have been minted over the years.
• While this number can seem like a huge mountain due to the sheer volume of its density, once melted down, all of this gold fits within a cube that is 75 feet wide on each side.

Did you Know These Facts About Gold?

• The atomic number of gold is 79, representing the 79 protons located within the nucleus of each atom of gold.
• Gold is edible and used in South Asian nations as foilings for fruits, snacks and sweets.
• The word “gold: originates from “geolu” an Old English word that stands for the color yellow.
• More than 90% of the gold supply of the entire world was mined after the California Gold Rush.
• The largest gold nugget was found in Australia around 1869 and weighed a massive 92 kilograms.