Gold is a metal that has been of high importance in many societies throughout history. This precious and unique material has always been in high demand, and is so even today. Not only is it beautiful, it is also one of the most resistant metals. It won’t tarnish, it won’t change colour, crumble, or be affected by most solvents. All of this adds to the uniqueness of this mineral.
The perception of gold has changed fundamentally in the past ten years.
Gold powers the internet. It underpins our economy. It is the bedrock of a portfolio. It is the catalyst for future revolutions in science. It expresses love in many languages. And it carries memories across a variety of generations and cultures.
Central banks in India and China are looking to increase their holdings of gold. Gold prices have been rising because of continued concerns over Europe’s debt crisis. Growing demand for gold jewellery in developing economies is also helping to raise the price of gold.
We are seeing an explosion of interest in the use of gold in science and technology also exciting breakthroughs are occurring regularly within some of the world’s leading academic and industrial institutions, like cutting-edge therapeutics, novel diagnostics, new antimicrobials, improved catalysts, cleaner air, water purification, energy efficiency and advanced consumer electronics just to name a few. The many valuable properties of gold mean that its technological applications are all around us, right now, from the automotive industry, to electronics, medicine, nanotechnology, space and even engineering.
Gold will play an even more pivotal role in the development of new technologies central to man’s progress.
