A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

97

Transtion Metals

gold dust with water or strong acids. The

applications for gold include heat shields in

astronaut’s visors. This metal has always

been seen as valuable and many ancient artefacts,

such as the 3,300-year-old death mask of

Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, were forged

from it. Some of the earliest coins, found in

Turkey, were made of it. Gold is used to cover

important buildings, such as Thailand’s Wat

Phrathat Doi Suthep temple. This precious

metal is most commonly used today in

jewellery or decorations.

This mask

was placed over

the pharaoh’s

mummified face.

Gold teeth

Gold bars stored

in banks are a sign

of wealth. The flakes

decorating

this expensive

chocolate

are edible.

This ver y thin layer of

gold protects the astronaut

from the Sun’s heat.

Astronaut’s visor

These replacement teeth

are made of gold and mercury.

This neck ornament

is made from cast gold.

A

n

ci

en

t^

go

ld

je

w

el

le

Gold foil engine at a stable temperature.keeps this car ry

McLaren F1 car engine

This glass plate

contains specks

of gold.

R

oy

al

(^) C
ro
w
n
(^) D
re
yb
p^
al
et
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
temple, Thailand
Tutankhamun’s
death mask
A thin layer of gold
covers this entire temple.
Gold bars
E
di
bl
e^ g
old^
flakes
Uses
The largest piece of natural gold was found on
19 October, 1872, near the small town of Hill
End in Australia. Named after its discoverer,
Bernhardt Holtermann, the piece contained
moe than 90 kg (198 lb) of pure gold.
Holtermann Nugget
1.45 m (4.75 ft)
Child aged 10 years old
THE HOLTERMANN NUGGET
096-097_Gold.indd 97 02/12/16 10:00 pm