Men have looked for gold since ancient times and prized it for its beauty and value. It has been a symbol of power and wealth for ages. The search for gold has inspired many explorers throughout the ages to look for "new worlds" where gold could be found. It has been in used in making jewelry and coins because of its ability to be easily shaped and its stability of value. Did you ever see china and vases in museums? Well, some have gold decorations that make them very valuable.

What is interesting is that gold is also very important to many modern industries, like technology. Circuits made from gold are probably in the computer you are working on right now. It is used in telephones, video cassette recorders and televisions too because it does not tarnish or corrode. Also, gold is a very good conductor of electricity and heat.

Gold has been used in ways you don't expect like in medicine to help cure cancer and in the helmets of astronauts.