The Elements: Gold

Gold has been a symbol of wealth and status for millennia, from ancient Egypt to today. It is the most malleable metal, easily shaped into bars, coins, or gold leaf. Despite its allure, gold is rare on Earth, with all the world's gold fitting on a football pitch. Scientists believe gold arrived via meteorites billions of years ago, linking every piece of gold to outer space.

What has gold symbolized throughout history?

• A symbol of wealth and status

• A symbol of peace

• A symbol of love

• A symbol of power

Which property makes gold unique among metals?

• It is the most reflective metal

• It is the most conductive metal

• It is the most malleable metal

• It is the heaviest metal

How much space would all the world's gold occupy if combined?

• A baseball field

• A tennis court

• A football pitch

• A basketball court

What is the believed origin of Earth's gold?

• Oceanic deposits

• Earth's core

• Volcanic eruptions

• Meteorites

What does the origin of gold suggest about its presence on Earth?

• It is man-made

• It is extraterrestrial

• It is from oceanic deposits

• It is from Earth's core