
Gold in its physical form can be purchased from banks, coin and precious metal dealers as bars or bullion coins. It is possible to invest in the yellow precious metal both in the form of securities and through a physical purchase. Investments in gold are seen as a safe haven and a crisis-resistant capital investment. After the price of gold passed the mark of 1,000 US dollars per ounce for the first time in March 2008, by the end of 2011 it had already reached 1,600 US dollars per ounce. The price of gold has virtually experienced a surge in recent years. Next is France (2,586 metric tons /91 million ounces). Germany has the second highest stocks of gold (3,417 metric tons /120 million ounces) followed by the International Monetary Fund with 3,217 metric tons /113 million ounces. The highest gold reserves are located in the USA (around 8.133 metric tons/287 million ounces). As a result, the global quantity of gold is steadily increasing. This is also due to the fact that gold, unlike other raw materials, is virtually indestructible and is not consumed. Global stocks of gold have continuously increased in recent decades and are currently at their highest level. With a market share of 16 per cent, South Africa is the most important producer of gold. Apart from the Antarctic, where mining is not allowed due to international regulations, the precious metal is mined on all continents.

This line of business accounts for around 75 per cent of the gold worked. However, gold is used most frequently in the jewelry industry. Gold has also been used in dental technology for around 3000 years. Because of its excellent conductivity, gold is used particularly in the electrical industry. The yellow precious metal is easily workable and conducts electricity and heat. This shows that people have always been fascinated by gold and by its rarity, durability and beauty.īecause of its properties, gold is also one of the most important industrial raw materials. and the first gold coins were minted in 50 B.C. Gold was extracted in Egypt as early as 2000 B.C.
