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_400.jpeg "Is There Really Gold in Your Electronic Devices?")
Is There Really Gold in Your Electronic Devices?
Gold is a beautiful and scarce metal used to create elaborate and expensive materials. You may be surprised to learn, however, that gold also has other beneficial properties. Gold is often used in electronic devices for various reasons. The cell phone, laptop, or computer you are currently using to read this blog may contain small amounts of gold to help them operate more smoothly. So why and how is gold used in electronics?
Why Is Gold Used in Electronics?
Gold is utilized in electronics for three main reasons: conductivity, malleability, and durability.
Conductivity
Gold is a highly conductive metal, which means electricity can flow through the metal with little resistance. Other conductive metals include aluminum, copper, and silver; however, all three have less conductivity than gold. This conductivity makes gold an excellent material for connecting components that need electricity, with little to no resistance.
Malleability
Gold is a highly malleable metal. It is softer than most metals, meaning it is very easy to work with. Parts in electronic devices can be extremely small and must be fitted precisely. Having a conductive metal that is highly malleable and easy to shape makes gold very useful for those creating electronic devices. Gold's softness, compared to other metals, allows it to be placed into electrical wiring, unlike other harder metals.
Durability
You may be wondering how gold could be both soft and malleable but also durable. Though golf can wear down when exposed to pressure or general use in jewelry, it is durable in the sense that it does not tarnish as quickly as other metals. You may have noticed that silverware, or silver items, in your house tarnish over time due to contact with oxygen. Gold, on the other hand, absorbs barely any oxygen, meaning it does not oxidize. Oxidation causes tarnishing and corrosion in metals. The lack of oxidation means gold can last in your devices far longer than other conductive metals such as silver.
How Much Gold Is in Your Electronics?
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.
Unfortunately, tearing into your devices to gather the gold inside will often only give you about $12 worth of gold. It is estimated that laptops and small devices contain about 1/10 of a gram of gold, or about 6 pennyweights, equating to about $6. We recommend keeping your devices intact, as they are worth much more when fully assembled and working!
A better solution for getting quick money would be to sell your scrap gold and jewelry online. At GoldFellow, we offer both online and in-store services for selling your gold. We evaluate your items with no commitment required through in-store evaluations or over our insured mailing services. This process allows you to have your gold items graded and sold through the mail or returned to you at no cost. We accept gold in any condition and additionally purchase gems and other fine metals. Contact us today for a quick, safe, and secure way to sell your gold.
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