Is Gold a Metal or Nonmetal? (+ 3 Fascinating Facts to Know)

Gold is a metal. It is a chemical element with the symbol Au and atomic number 79, and is classified as a transition metal in the periodic table. Like other metals, gold is malleable, ductile, and a good conductor of electricity and heat. ¹

Well, this was just a simple answer. But there are few more things to know about this topic which will make your concept super clear.

So let’s dive right into it.

Why is gold a metal?

Gold is a metal because it possesses certain characteristics that define metals. Metals are elements that have a specific set of physical and chemical properties, such as being good conductors of electricity and heat, having high melting and boiling points, and being malleable and ductile.

Gold is an element with the chemical symbol Au, and it is classified as a transition metal. It has a lustrous yellow appearance, and it is a good conductor of electricity and heat. ²

Gold also has a high melting and boiling point, which makes it resistant to corrosion and oxidation. These properties make gold an ideal metal for use in jewelry, electronics, and other industrial applications. ³

In addition to these physical properties, gold also has certain chemical properties that make it a metal. Specifically, gold has a relatively low electronegativity and tends to lose electrons easily, which is a characteristic of metals.

Overall, gold possesses many of the key characteristics that define metals, which is why it is classified as a metal.

Properties of gold that classify it as a metal

There are several properties of gold that classify it as a metal. These properties include:

• Conductivity: Gold is an excellent conductor of both electricity and heat. This means that it can easily conduct electricity and heat without breaking down. ⁴
• Malleability: Gold is very malleable, which means that it can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. ⁵
• Ductility: Gold is also very ductile, which means that it can be drawn into thin wires without breaking.
• Luster: Gold has a bright, shiny, and reflective appearance that makes it an attractive metal for use in jewelry and other decorative applications.
• High melting and boiling point: Gold has a relatively high melting and boiling point, which makes it a durable metal that is resistant to corrosion and oxidation.
• Low reactivity: Gold is a relatively unreactive metal, which means that it does not easily combine with other elements to form compounds. ⁶

Overall, these properties make gold an ideal metal for use in a wide range of applications, including jewelry, electronics, and other industrial applications.

How is gold different from other metals?

Gold is different from other metals in several ways. Some of these differences include:

• Color: Gold is the only metal that has a distinct yellow color. Most other metals are silver, gray, or white in color.
• Softness: Gold is a relatively soft metal compared to other metals, such as steel or titanium. This softness makes it easier to work with but also makes it more susceptible to scratching and other forms of damage.
• Rarity: Gold is a rare metal compared to many other metals, which makes it more valuable and sought after.
• Resistance to corrosion: Gold is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, which means that it does not tarnish or rust over time. ⁷
• Density: Gold is a dense metal, which means that it has a relatively high weight for its size. This property makes it useful in applications where weight is important, such as in electronics and aerospace. ⁸
• Biocompatibility: Gold is biocompatible, which means that it does not cause an allergic reaction or other adverse effects when used in medical implants or other applications. ⁹

Overall, these differences make gold a unique metal with properties that set it apart from other metals.

Further reading

Is Mercury a Metal or Nonmetal?
Is Lead a Metal or Nonmetal?
Is Bismuth a Metal, Nonmetal or Metalloid?
Is Radon a Metal or Nonmetal?
Is Chlorine Solid, Liquid or Gas? 

1. Boudreaux, K. A. (n.d.). The Parts of the Periodic Table. The Parts of the Periodic Table. https://www.angelo.edu/faculty/kboudrea/periodic/trans_transition.htm
2. Gold – Element information, properties and uses | Periodic Table. (n.d.). Gold – Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table. https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/79/gold
3. Only 15% of gold/silver used annually in high-tech goods is recovered, say experts – United Nations University. (n.d.). Only 15% of Gold/Silver Used Annually in High-tech Goods Is Recovered, Say Experts – United Nations University. https://unu.edu/news/news/only-15-of-gold-and-silver-used-in-high-tech-goods-is-recovered.html
4. AMNH https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/gold/incomparable-gold/gold-properties
5. Springer https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/BF03216517.pdf
6. Properties of gold. (n.d.). Properties of Gold – OpenLearn – Open University. https://science-maths-technology/science/chemistry/properties-gold
7. Gold. (n.d.). Gold. https://nature.berkeley.edu/classes/eps2/wisc/gold.html
8. Gold | Facts, Properties, & Uses. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/gold-chemical-element
9. Shanmugasundaram, T., Radhakrishnan, M., Gopikrishnan, V., Kadirvelu, K., & Balagurunathan, R. (2017). Biocompatible silver, gold and silver/gold alloy nanoparticles for enhanced cancer therapy: in vitro and in vivo perspectives. Nanoscale, 9(43), 16773–16790. https://doi.org/10.1039/c7nr04979j