Gold is a precious metal with an intrinsic value, and it has been used as a store of wealth for centuries. It does not corrode, and it’s very rare. Even today, mining operations still exist to obtain gold from the earth. See more about the mining process on this site here.
The yellow and shiny precious metal is rarer than silver or platinum, and it’s not affected by decay. It’s unaffected by rust, hydrogen sulfide, or oxygen, and you’ll find that it does not tarnish. It can only be dissolved through cyanide. This is why a lot of investors find it an attractive investment option to grow their wealth.
Since this is a rare physical commodity that’s difficult to extract and nearly indestructible, this is now a sought-after metal in various industries. It’s also an investment product because of its long-term stability and historical role as a hedge against sudden market downturns.
History and Origins
One of the most precious commodities to man for thousands of years is gold. Many civilizations and cultures have attributed it to having divine properties, and it’s often associated with deities. The first few nuggets were found at the bottom of the rivers, and it was smelted in Egypt about 5000 years ago.
Many have said that the Egyptians were the first to succeed in taking advantage of the gold’s malleability, and they smelt the metal. They used coins and jewelry in trades, and it’s often the symbol of wealth and power. The first coins were believed to have originated back in 600 BC, and it’s initially made up of gold with a hundred percent, but later on, a mixture of other metals was made to form a stronger alloy.
Advent of Gold
This new currency began an era that’s the basis of money in many countries worldwide. With the coins, societies have moved from bartering towards currencies with intrinsic value. There’s also the development of measurement systems and the process of refining through scientific knowledge.
However, as years went by, the fiat currency or paper money began to take over the precious metal’s place. In the middle of the 20th century, the gold standard was ended, but what may seem like a tragedy has allowed the precious metals to act as an investment property.
Since gold has a long history of value and unique property, it’s found to be a stable addition to one’s portfolio. Over time, gold has been a sought-after commodity, which led many investors to include it in their long-term strategies.
This is where you might want to connect with a trustworthy firm that can help you start your investment journey in gold. Read more about Lear Capital reviews to see more about the available investment products for you and how you can get started. Others buy gold in their individual retirement account to diversify their portfolio, while some want a piece of jewelry that they can hand down to future generations.
Supply Chains
To understand the factors that make up the precious metal price, it’s best to know who the actors are that make up this industry. Know that most of the world’s gold supply today is mined in South Africa, China, Canada, the United States, Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, and Russia. After the mining process, the nuggets will continue their journey into the supply chain.
This will include the processes and operations between the time they were mined and into a final product that consumers buy. It could be jewelry, solar panel, or smartphone, or it might be in the form of investment products like coins and bars.
Recycling precious metals is also an essential part of the supply chain. Some industrial products like phones and computers are being recovered and processed by refineries so they can be reintegrated back into society. Read posts about electronics recycling in this url: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/electronic-devices-source-of-metals-for-recyclers-2877986.
Gold is a prized and rare precious metal that is sought after by people worldwide. It has a lot of history, malleability, and beauty, and it’s just fitting for it to have a role as an investment vehicle. Aside from this, central banks tend to buy bullion in bulk and make global purchases, increasing its prices even higher. You can buy the following as an investment:
