Gold is one of the most precious and highly sought-after commodities. It has been treasured by people and civilizations around the globe for thousands of years. While its most common use is in jewelry, gold is also an indispensable material in science and technology because of its unique physical properties – highly reflective and malleable; ductile (can be drawn or molded into wire and thread); excellent conductor; does not rust, tarnish or corrode; and does not dissolve in water or most acids.

Here are some of the “other” uses of gold:

Healthcare – Gold is used extensively in medical diagnosis and monitoring equipment as well as life-saving medicines.

Automotive – It is used in the trigger deployment system of airbags. Gold-plated connectors and contacts in car engines are able to withstand the high-temperature and corrosive environment under the hood.

Aircraft engines – Gold is used as a brazing alloy in jet engines. Many aircraft use gold-coated acrylic windows in the cockpit to help windows stay clear of frost and fogging.

Computers – Gold is an integral part of computer semiconductor circuits. Each key on the keyboard strikes gold circuits that relay the data.

Electronics and telecommunications equipment – Gold’s main role is in contacts, switches, relays and connectors, which are electroplated with a thin gold film to ensure reliable performance.

Space – Gold has many uses in the space industry because of its reflective qualities, which protect spacecrafts and equipment from the burning heat of the sun. Even the visors in spacesuits worn by astronauts are gold-coated.