Usn Camillus

Saturday, 01 August 2009 01:24 Last Updated on Saturday, 01 August 2009 01:24 Written by Hoboken 0 Comments

When one thinks of gold, the first thing that usually comes to mind is jewelry, generally followed by coinage, buried treasure and the recent upsurge in the recycling of the precious metal (not necessarily in that order). While these are all common uses, the possible applications are numerous. The potential that lies in gold owes itself in large part to the chemical properties than make the element so versatile and useful. Listed on the periodic table as Au (in honor of Aurora, the Greek goddess of the dawn), it is the most malleable and ductile metal on Earth. This particular property allows for the use of the metal in a highly visible and often overlooked purpose - the design and adornment of architecture.

The use of gold in design and architecture dates as far back as recorded time, and possibly beyond. Given the prevalence of the element over the span of the globe, it is no small wonder that nearly every ancient culture in the world has noted use of the metal in buildings ranging from holy temples to palaces and tombs. Ancient Egyptians made frequent use of it the houses and palaces of the pharaohs and holy men, not only in for those living, but also for the revered dead. The interiors of the pyramids and tombs, as well as the sarcophagi were usually adorned with gold leaf and precious works of art made from the gleaming element. Empires from Rome to China to the Incas of North America made similar use of gold, and in some cases, their work is still visible today. Towards the end of the Roman Empire, during the rise of Christianity, newly built churches and cathedrals were frequently decorated with elaborate mosaics of famous or meaningful episodes from Christendom Often, these were created using layers of gold leaf and gold based paint. Although many of the ancient works have long since been stolen or pillaged, those that remain owe their longevity to another of gold's many virtues - it does not tarnish or rust. Thusly, the modern world is allowed a glimpse into its own history.

This architectural method has not wavered over the ages. Countless modern buildings boast adornments of gold, including a number of capitol buildings with shining domed roofs of gold leaf - Atlanta, Georgia; Denver, Colorado and Charleston, West Virginia to name a few. Napoleon's tomb at Les Invalides in Paris also features a great domed roof covered in the precious metal. Thanks to modern technology, though, the use of gold is no longer limited to simple decoration. Among its other virtues, the metal is resistant to moisture, making it ideal protection for any structure. Gold is also highly conductive of heat and electricity, and those in the business have discovered that by coating glass with a thin layer of gold, the searing rays of the sun in summer can be deflected more efficiently while preserving the warmth of a building in the winter.

With a little bit of background, it's easy to see how gold has earned such a reputation in the world of design, architecture and art. One of the most revered elements found in the rocks of the earth, it is both fashionable and functional.

Lawrence Reaves likes to learn about the uses for gold, and, sells old gold at Refinity.com.