Popular Gold Applications

According to Gold Field Mineral Services (GFMS) gold is an essential industrial material in our high-tech world because of its conductivity, durability and adaptability.  Each year, more than 12.9 million ounces of gold are used in a variety of applications.

Jewelry and Decoration

More than 80 percent of all gold that comes out of the ground ends up as jewelry.  Gold is also a premium material for a variety of other decorative applications. Gold leaf is used to adorn the roofs and ceilings of buildings.  Liquid gold is used to decorate ceramics and glass. And gold thread is used in Indian clothing known as saris.

When wearing or using gold, there may be minor issues involved.  Gold can irritate the skin and eyes of people who are allergic to it.  Excessively inhaling gold has been known to cause internal irritations for some people.

Electronic and Medicinal Uses

In electronics, gold is most often used for the gold plating of contacts for switches, relays and connectors.  Gold-plated contacts are used in everything from washing machines to computers to telecommunications.  Gold-plated connectors are an essential part of plugs and sockets for cable terminations, integrated circuit sockets, computer back plates and printed circuit boards.

The other main electronic use of gold is in fine wire or strip for connecting parts of semi-conductors, such as transistors and integrated circuits.

Gold is also being successfully used in medicines.  For instance, gold has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis since the 1920s.  Gold salts — which can be taken by injection or in pill form — help relieve joint pain and stiffness, reduce swelling and bone damage.

Additionally, gold is being used in direct applications in medical devices.  Uses include wires for pacemakers and gold-plated stints designed to inflate and support arteries in the treatment of heart disease.  Gold is highly opaque to X-rays, making it easier to position stints. It also has a high degree of resistance to bacteria and helps reduce the risk of infection.

Other Uses

In other gold uses:

• performs critical functions in computers, communications equipment, spacecraft, jet aircraft engines, and a host of other products.
• can form a hard amalgam with mercury and, like silver, is sometimes used for dental fillings.
• is used in some cancer treatments and for treating other diseases. (gold isotope Au-198)
• is used as a coating enabling biological material to be viewed under a scanning electron microscope.
• gold is used for the protective coatings on many artificial satellites, since it’s a good reflector of both infrared and visible light.
• is made into flakes and added to some gourmet sweets and drinks. 

AST offers a variety of gold plating services and can meet the requirements of Mil-G-45204, ASTM B 488 and AMS 2422 for Type I, Type II and Type III. Whether your need are functional or cosmetic AST can work with you to meet your requirements. The company also provides other precious metals finishing including silver and platinum.  For more information about AST’s gold finishing capabilities, visit www.astfinishing.com.