Introduction:

Man has learned to value gold for its unique properties ever since the Stone Age. These unique properties included gold’s color and brilliant luster, malleability, ability to resist corrosion, and its unique ability to be obtained without having to use complicated separation techniques. Along with these fascinating properties gold is relatively scarce making it even a more sought after luxury.

The Stone Age man obtained gold in the form of nuggets known as placer gold. They often used these nuggets of gold as ornaments in the form of jewelry. The use of gold in the form of jewelry led the Stone Age man to the discovery of the softness and malleability of gold. The discovery of gold's malleability led to the discovery that gold could be melted in a furnace and cast into unique shapes. Smelting was soon discovered and people began to melt gold out of rock.