Many of us view gold as a material that exudes luxury. That is not surprising because it possesses a sheen that is instantly recognizable to anyone. It is also used as a symbol of excellence, as evidenced by the Olympics handing our gold medals to winners of its range of competitions. This symbolism is also a nod to the economic value it possesses. When you invest in it, it gives you a sense of pride that you have not settled for anything less.
But did you know that there are other uses for this precious metal? In orthodontics, if you want to have your teeth aligned properly, you can have gold-plated braces attached to them. And since this metal is very malleable, it can also be used to create a crown if you need to have a tooth repaired.
There is no doubt that the sight of a gold bar could leave you in awe. It is akin to seeing a large amount of money. There are only a privileged few who are able to see such immense value. But there are other uses for gold besides jewelry. You will be surprised to find it in some familiar places.
Electronics
If you have old or broken computers at home, do not rush out to give them away. You may be able to extract some gold from its components. The precious metal has great conductive properties, which ensures that currents can ride its traces as efficiently as possible. Another property that makes it ideal for your gadgets is that it is highly resistant to corrosion. This will add to the longevity of the devices that they are in.
Gold is just among the several precious metals you can get from electronic components. Recyclers are happy to accept them. So if you have some non-working components with you, it is best for you to try to approach them first.
Food
Gold is not just something you can wear; it can also serve as a garnish for your favorite food. If you have been reading about the most expensive dishes in the world, chances are that they are served with gold leaves or flakes. By itself, gold does not have any significant nutritional value. It is safe, though; eating it will not cause any adverse chemical reactions in your body. While you may not be craving for shiny metals any time soon, at least you can brag to your friends that you have eaten something expensive.
Medicine
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by pain in the joints. This is a chronic disease that affects mostly older people. Some medicinal solutions involve a small amount of gold that can help treat this inflammatory disease. This is probably the most left-field out of all the things that gold has been in. It has been an element known for its visual characteristics. Who knew it could also be the unsung hero of medicine?
There is more to gold than being a precious metal that attracts investors and fashionistas. Given its reputation, it’s fun to see it being used in other situations that are quite unexpected. This versatility just adds more to its value.