Gold dust can be described as small particles or flakes of a bright, yellowish-gold color. Although, the size and shape of gold dust particle can differ but they are generally very small and lightweight. It can be compared to a grains of sand or tiny chips of metals. When magnified, gold dust has a shiny, metallic luster that reflects light in a manner of distinctive way. However, simply using your naked eye can be difficult to see or even notice them.
So what exactly is a gold dust?
As stated above, gold dust is a form of finely ground, small particles or flakes of gold. It is often made through a process that involves mechanical grinding, crushing, or abrasion of gold nuggets or raw unprocessed gold.
Gold dust is actually an important mineral resources due to its beauty and rarity throughout history. It is commonly used in jewelry, electronics, and industries. Other than this, gold dust can also be a valuable investment asset which has been recognized by some individuals and business as potential opportunities. Thus, it is crucial for anyone who is involved in the gold industry to have a good understanding about the physical characteristics of gold dust especially for the treasure hunters. As treasure hunters, you have to know that the Japanese Imperial Army soldiers also had hidden valuable deposits that consists of gold dust contained inside sealed containers.
Physical Characteristics of Gold Dust
Gold dust is typically very small in size and can be nearly invisible to visible with our naked eyes. The size of gold dust can range from just a few micrometers to a few millimeters. As for the shape, they can be the irregular and jagged to round and smooth.
Its color is often bright and yellowish-gold which is due to the metal’s unique chemical properties. If we are going to view it under a light, the gold dust has a distinct metallic luster that emits a shimmering and reflective appearance.
When it comes to its weight and texture, gold dust can be easily blown away by a gust of wind. It actually has a very fine texture that feels almost silky when made contact on your skin. Despite its light weight, gold dust has a high density which is due to the high density of gold. You have to know that gold dust has a density of 19.3 times the density of water.
Identifying Gold Dust
One of the traditional way to identify gold dust is by visual examination. With a keen eye, gold eye can be identified by its characteristics which is yellowish-gold color and shiny metallic luster. When discovered, they often appear as small, fine particles or flakes similar to the grains of sands or small chips or metal.
When conducting visual examination, it is highly recommended to use a magnifying glass. This will allow you to have a close up view where it should reflect light in a distinctive manner.
As stated above, it is highly suggested that you should use magnifying glass to help you in conducting your visual examination. Others even use microscope to examine the particles more precisely. By having a close up view with the particles, you can see the details about the size, shape, and text of the gold gust. Aside from this, you may also see other impurities or other substances that are mixed with the gold dust particles.
Chemical Tests for Gold
Perhaps one of the most effective method to identify gold dust is through the use of chemicals tests. You have to know that gold dust has several unique chemical properties and such properties can be used to distinguish it from the other types of metals or minerals.
As an example, gold is actually highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. It also has relatively low melting point as compared to many other metals around. Chemical tests for gold dusts involves the use of nitric acid test, aqua regia test, or fire assay to detect the presence of gold in a certain sample material. Such test needs to be performed by a trained professionals which is often done inside their laboratory.
Sources of Gold Dust
The common sources of gold dust is from natural resources since we all know that gold is a naturally occurring element that can discovered in small particles or flakes. They are often found in the rivers, streams, and other bodies of water. Gold can also be found in small quantities mixed on rocks and soil.
Another common sources of gold dust is from mining and extraction. We all know that large-scale mining operations use heavy equipment such as bulldozers and excavators which allows miners uncover those gold deep under the ground. The extracted gold ores are then processed to separate gold from the other minerals.
Gold dust can also be obtained on commercial sources such as from jewelry manufacturers and gold dealers. Old jewelry and industrial waste such as electronic devices do contain small amount of gold. Aside from these, there are also some individuals who simple want to sell their gold.
Used of Gold Dust
Perhaps the most common uses of gold dust is in jewelry-making, particularly for accenting and embellishing designs. It is also often used in decorative arts such as gilding.
Another common usage for gold dust are for industrial applications especially in the field of electronics. It is actually used in the manufacturing of electronics components due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
Perhaps another interesting use of gold dust are for investment and currency. You have to know that gold dust is known as a good storage of value and also a means of currency. What many investors does is that they hedge their gold asset against inflation and economic instability. In some countries, you might be surprised to know that they still use gold dust as a form of currency.