5 Unusual Uses for Gold

Everyone is familiar with jewellery made of gold, such as rings, bracelets and necklaces. We’ve also heard of gold plating being used for luxury items such as cars, laptops and iPhones. You might have also come across gold leaf being used as edibles in food preparations and for decorating purposes. However, there are some uses for gold which are less known and are a bit more surprising than you’d think.

Gold is particularly compliant, never discolours, is a good conductor of electricity, and is simple to work with. Gold is also incredible with its natural glossy shine and radiant lustre. It’s these properties which brings gold into almost every sphere of modern day life.

1. Health Supplements

In Japan, it is common for people to consume very thin films of gold in food and beverage. It was done because gold is considered a good source of vitamins. Gold is ingested in other parts of the world as well, such as India and Egypt, as a powder or tablet.

2. Used as Implants

Gold caps on teeth and gold fillings are the most common forms of “implants” which people know about. However, it is also used as medical implants. Since gold resists deterioration and bacteria, it is beneficial when it’s used from pace makers to stents.

3. As Insulation in Astronaut Suits

Space agencies such as Nasa have long used gold in several ways. The visor which is on the astronaut’s suit is lined with gold, as it prevents radiation along with heat from the sun. Also, spacecraft and rockets are coated in gold, which ensures they don’t overheat.

4. Used in Body Treatments

Gold has been used in cosmetics and other products for many years. It dates back to ancient China and Egypt. People used to mix flakes of gold into their food, drink, or applied it on their skin. It was believed to have qualities which eradicated wrinkles and kept skin looking young. Many spas, even today, offer gold facials and other forms of treatments.

5. Gold in Food and Beverage

Several alcoholic drinks such as vodka and champagne brands have started including gold flakes. They are mixed in to create a unique visual presentation.

Gold flakes are also becoming increasingly popular in food. Some restaurants top their desserts (cakes, pastries, shakes) with thin flakes of edible gold leaf or apply a layer of edible gold powder. This succeeds in setting them apart from their competition.

Gold is one of the most versatile metals and can be used for numerous purposes. Some are bound to surprise you. People generally consider it just as a precious metal, which is used to make jewellery. But gold is a metal, with unique properties which are useful in several different fields.

5 Unusual Uses for Gold

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Canadian Gold Buyer

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Canadian Gold Buyer is a leading pawn shop in North York. We buy all kinds of used jewelry and coins made of diamond, gold & other precious metals like silver.

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