With an average price of nearly $1,500 per ounce, as of October 2019, gold ranks as one of the most expensive metals in the world. Even with its high price, though, it’s commonly used in the manufacturing of electronics. From desktop and laptop computers to smartphones, TVs, video game consoles and more, countless electronics contain gold. In fact, most electronics contain at least some amount of this precious metal. So, why do manufacturers prefer gold rather than cheaper, more readily available metals?
The Role of Gold in Electronics
Before we reveal why gold is used in electronics, let’s talk about how it’s used. Electronics aren’t made entirely of gold. Rather, the precious and expensive metal is used for specific components such as connectors, switch contacts, relay contacts and wires.
High Electrical Conductivity
One of the reasons why is used in electronics is because of its electrical conductivity properties. Gold is highly conductive, meaning electricity can easily flow through it with minimal resistance. Copper, silver and aluminum are also conductive, but gold offers a superior level of electrical conductivity. As a result, it’s the perfect material for electrical components like those previously mentioned. When used in electronics, gold allows electricity to flow to and from the respective device with minimal resistance.
Easy to Work
Another reason gold is used in electronics is because it’s easy to work. Some people assume that gold is hard and strong, but this isn’t necessarily true. It’s actually relatively soft and pliable, which makes it easy to work. The soft and pliable characteristics of gold allow manufacturing companies to easy include it in otherwise small electronics. Gold, for example, can be drawn into electrical wires or connectors — something that’s not possible with harder and stronger metals.
Resistant to Tarnishing
The benefits of gold in electronics doesn’t stop there. In addition to high electrical conductivity and being easy to work, this precious metal is resistant to tarnishing. Gold doesn’t mix well with oxygen. Even when left outdoors for long periods of time, it will absorb little or no oxygen. This is important because oxygen is responsible for tarnishing (as well as rusting). When oxygen mixes with a metal, it causes the metal to oxidize, which then leads to tarnishing or other forms of corrosion.
Gold is used in electronics for three primary reasons: It has high electrical conductivity; it’s easy to work; and it’s resistant to tarnishing. While gold is expensive, these characteristics make it an invaluable material for use in the electronics manufacturing.
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FAQs
Gold is used in electronics for three primary reasons: It has high electrical conductivity; it's easy to work; and it's resistant to tarnishing. While gold is expensive, these characteristics make it an invaluable material for use in the electronics manufacturing. No tags for this post.
Why is gold used in electronics? ›
Gold is used on connectors and contacts because it has excellent corrosion resistance, high electrical conductivity (only copper and silver are better) and, alloyed with small amounts of nickel or cobalt, has good wear resistance.
Why gold play an important role in the modern electronic industries? ›
In summary, gold's continued use in electronics is primarily due to its outstanding electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, ductility, and malleability. These properties make gold invaluable in modern electronic devices, ensuring their performance and longevity.
Can electronics work without gold? ›
While gold is beneficial for electronics, not much is needed. Rather than being part of large components, gold is used sparingly for its conductive properties, connecting different items in your devices that require electricity.
What material properties make gold useful in electronics? ›
It does not corrode or tarnish, unlike other highly conductive metals, such as copper and silver. And it is a soft, pliable material, which can be easily drawn out into narrow wires or plated into thin coatings. These physical properties make gold the ideal material for a wide range of electronic applications.
What electronics use the most gold? ›
Among all home devices, computers and televisions typically contain the most gold. Gold is also found in the circuit boards of earlier generations of cameras, radios, and media players. Traces of gold can be found in other electronics like game consoles, tablets, and phones.
What are 5 interesting facts about gold? ›
Interesting facts about gold
- Gold is a 'noble' metal, meaning that it does not rust or lose its shine. ...
- Gold is the only yellow metal. ...
- Gold is one of the heaviest and densest of all metals in the Periodic Chart; a cubic foot would weigh more than half a ton.
- Pure gold will melt at 1064.43° and boils at 2856.1°.
Today, gold still occupies an important place in our culture and society – we use it to make our most prized objects: wedding rings, Olympic medals, money, jewellery, Oscars, Grammys, crucifixes, art and many more. 1. My precious: Gold has been used to make ornamental objects and fine jewellery for thousands of years.
How much gold is used in the electronics industry? ›
| Tonnes | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|
| Technology | 330.2 | 308.5 |
| Electronics | 272.1 | 251.7 |
| Other Industrial | 46.8 | 46.6 |
| Dentistry | 11.4 | 10.3 |
Jan 31, 2023
Because it is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, gold is used extensively in the electronics industries in items such as printed circuits and in transistors. The circuitry of computers, calculators, televisions, telephones, and fire detectors are often plated with gold.
The reasons behind gold's enduring value include: Gold is perceived as a symbol of wealth, power, and majesty. Gold has had an exalted position throughout the ages as a highly coveted, even worshipped material. Gold has been used over millennia as jewelry and a means of exchange.
Is there gold in every electronic? ›
It's true there's often silver, platinum, palladium and gold in our damaged or outmoded electronics, not to mention plastic, glass and other materials that have some scrap value. The primary reason is that precious metals conduct electricity much better than alloys.
How much gold is in a cell phone? ›
There is actual gold in your phone, used because of its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion. However, the amount of gold contained in a phone is smaller than one might expect. On average, a smartphone might have around 0.034 grams of gold.
Why is gold used in phones? ›
Gold. Gold is used in mobile phone circuit boards because it is chemically stable and conducts electricity.
Why use gold over silver in electronics? ›
Besides use, these include: conductivity, corrosion resistance, durability, wear, contact resistance, solderability, appearance and of course, cost. Let's start with gold. The greatest advantage gold has is high resistance to corrosion, tarnishing and oxidation. Gold is less conductive than silver.
Do they use real gold in electronics? ›
Gold has been valued for use throughout the globe in jewellery, decoration, currency, and regalia. Gold is a very good conductor of electricity that doesn't tarnish over time, and manufacturers now use it as the metal of choice for plating connectors on printed circuit boards.
How much gold is in one cell phone? ›
There is actual gold in your phone, used because of its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion. However, the amount of gold contained in a phone is smaller than one might expect. On average, a smartphone might have around 0.034 grams of gold.
Why isn't silver used in electronics? ›
Though silver is a very good conductor of electricity but still that is not used in electric wiring primarily due to its cost. It's very expensive compared to the widely used wiring material copper. Another reason for not using silver is that , it oxidizes easily and tarnishes when it comes in contact with air.
