When the word ‘aurum’ is uttered, most people connect it with wealth, jewellery, statues and, of course, with the proverb, all that glitters is not gold. The saying is correct, but what about the use of this long valued metal? The external benefits of this highly demanded metal are unique as its physical properties are extraordinary and far different from metals like silver and platinum. Check out this article to know more about its application, from the past, through the present, to the future.
Uses of Aurum in the past
The first discovery of this glittering metal at the beginning of civilizations is purely connected with its beauty. Ancient men were so much into its golden elegance along with its flexibility to shape into any form. They used it to craft religious artefacts and statues. Beautiful jewellery and ornaments were carved from it. The early use of aurum does not end here. The barter system improved its value as the metal became the medium of value exchange very soon. Like being universally identifiable, portable and measurable, its uniqueness gave it a hand in the trade. Aurum is considered to be the first form of money in the world.
Interesting Applications in the present
Aurum is experimented with in everything today, from medicine to aerospace. Here are some exciting applications of aurum which most people does not know.
1)Uses in Medical Industry
It is a wonder how aurum is used very extensively in the medical field. It is used to make medical tools and also drugs. Gold is used to diagnose cancer cells, where the metal is used for screening and investigation. It also helps in chemotherapy treatment as a radiation source. Some surgical instruments are made from it as it is a biometal. Medical drugs for chronic arthritis and stomach ulcers contain nanoparticles of aurum.
2) Usages in Dentistry
Aurum in dentistry is not today’s story as the application dates back from 700 B.C. itself. It is a non-allergic metal, and it becomes the best choice for a dentist for shaping orthodontic moulds like bridges, tooth fillings, crowns and grills.
3) Uses in Aerospace technology
Since this metal controls radiation and tolerates extreme temperature, it is highly valued in aerospace. It is used by astronauts on their helmet screens and used for satellites and spaceship coatings.
4) Uses in electronics
As aurum is an outstanding conductor of electricity, it is a mostly found component in microchips, circuitry and motherboards in electric equipment like computers and headphones. Since aurum does not compromise to rust and corrosion, it can provide voltage in these devices without any compromise. The fantastic thing to note is that most electronic devices people use daily have some amount of this glittering metal.
Leap to the future of Aurum
As mentioned above, the high demand for this metal is opening up vast possibilities in the future, including its experiments with a diagnosis technology of HIV/AIDS. Researchers have hope that aurum’s nanoparticles can be used for the treatment. On the other hand, to improve the efficiency of solar cells, scientists plan to use them for environmental purposes.
Any investment in this metal is never worthless. Aurum lasts forever, and its value increases permanently! That is what the history of this gilt teaches humankind from B.C itself.
