Emas

Emas is the Indonesian and Malay term for gold. In English and in the scientific context, the element gold has the symbol Au and atomic number 79. Gold is a dense, soft, malleable metal with a distinct yellow luster. It is highly conductive of electricity and heat and resists corrosion, which helps it retain its appearance in many environments. Gold occurs naturally in native form, in alluvial deposits as nuggets or grains, and in veins within rocks.

Gold has wide-ranging uses. Jewelry and decorative objects remain the largest source of demand, while gold bars and coins are common forms of investment and wealth storage. In modern technology, gold’s high electrical conductivity and resistance to oxidation make it valuable for electronics, precision engineering, dentistry, and certain catalysts. Its relative rarity and durability also contribute to its status as a store of value in many economies.

Purity of gold is measured in karats, with 24 karat gold considered pure. Lower karat values denote alloys with other metals to improve hardness and durability for practical applications such as jewelry.

Mining and refining involve extracting gold from placer or hard rock deposits, followed by processing and refining to high-purity bars and coins. Refining methods include cyanidation, electrorefining, and other techniques, with environmental and safety considerations governing modern practices.

Economically, gold has served as a monetary asset and reserve, a traditional symbol of wealth, and a cultural commodity across many societies. It is traded on international markets with price influenced by supply, demand, and macroeconomic factors.