Element of the Week: Week 3 - Gold

Element of the Week

Week 3 - Gold From Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., your Guide to Chemistry Gold is the basis for many of the world's currency systems. It's rare and beautiful and can be found in its free elemental state. Let's learn more... Element Facts Periodic Table Entry for Gold  Did you know gold only appears 'gold' when it is seen as a mass? Finely divided gold can appear red, purple, or even black! Tell me more... Turning Lead to Gold Wouldn't it be handy to be able to turn a base metal such as lead into precious gold? Well, youcan, but it probably isn't worth the effort. Find out why and how to do it... Make Fool's Gold Fool's Gold isn't really gold at all! It's really iron sulfide, which forms a mineral called pyrite. Pyrite not only looks like gold, but it is also commonly found with gold. You can go rock collecting for it or you can learn how to make your own. Element Photo Gallery Do you want to know what all of the elements look like? Here's a photo gallery that showcases the pure elements. Most of the photographs are public domain so you can download them and use them yourself. Metal Facts Transition Metals  When you think of a typical metal, you probably think of a transition metal, such as gold or copper. Transition elements tend to be malleable and have high electrical conductivities. These properties are definitely true of gold, although this element doesn't have the characteristic hardness of most transition metals. Learn more... Metal Quiz Do you know about metals? Here's your chance to test your knowledge. Take my ten question multiple choice quiz. Got Questions? Visit the Chemistry Forum  You can ask and answer questions at the chemistry forum. Forum members include anyone interested in chemistry. You'll find scientists, engineers, teachers, students, parents, and other people just like you with an interest in chemistry and the elements. Chemistry Activities for Kids E-Course Are you ready for kid-friendly chemistry activities and games? Each e-course newsletter features safe projects, games or quizzes, and links for additional learning. Learn about the elements, grow crystals, and more! When you sign up you'll get one newsletter a week until you've gotten them all. Sign me up! This email is written by:  Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.  Chemistry Guide