Why are we as humans so obsessed with gold and silver? Before we realized the utility of the metals, we were fascinated by the beauty.
As a writer, I find it interesting how many commonly used idioms are based on precious metals. Language is so intricately interwoven with culture that we know precious metals must be of high importance due to their recurrent appearance in our vernacular.
To say someone has a “heart of gold” means they are gracious and kind. To test the “mettle” of a man means to see how he responds to adversities. A “gold digger” is someone looking to use a romantic relationship to advance their monetary position. Someone who is said to have a “silver tongue” is eloquent and well spoken.
These are a few of the literal hundreds of idioms involving our treasured metals.
Why, out of the 118 elements on the periodic table, did we choose to narrow in on gold and silver as our coveted possessions? And, why are these shiny treasures so prolific in our language, across the globe?
Fables revolving around gold have long captivated humanity. Scores of individuals have actually sought to find the pot o’ gold at the end of the rainbow (perhaps they aren’t afraid of leprechauns). Authors use metaphors to compare highly prized people, possessions, and ideas to gold.
I think one of the most interesting aspects of this phenomenon is the worldwide value placed on the precious metals, namely gold. It has never been one culture or time period to revere the metal and write about its value. Civilizations separated by thousands of miles have concurrently sought the treasure and made sacrifices, even to the death, to obtain it. It is difficult to think of another asset sharing this importance throughout history.
Why do you think gold and silver have made such a tremendous impact in our world? Why not another commodity? What is your favorite literary piece, illustrating humanity’s lust for gold? Let me know below!
This week, I am digging the Plank 2 oz Silver Ultra High Relief Round. Who likes gold treasure more than a pirate?!
Happy Stacking!
-J
I think we are interested in these particular metals (gold, silver, some platinum-group metals) not only because they are rare, but also because of their unusual physical and chemical properties. For example, while most metals are silvery/gray/white in color, gold is yellow. Although copper also has an unusual color for a metal (being orangey-red), it’s very reactive to the environment (like most metals, easily oxidized) compared to silver, gold, and platinum and is not a very good store of value. Precious metals are unique since they don’t react easily. Unusual for a metal, gold and platinum have electronegativities greater than 2.0 on the Pauling scale (with gold having the highest at around 2.5). Although silver has a typical color for a metal, it has a distinctive ringing sound when hit. I enjoy tapping on my junk 90% just to hear the distinctive ring. The unusual properties of these metals may be why we were interested in them in the first place!
As for literary pieces, sorry! I usually don’t read fiction.
Excellent points! It makes sense we’d focus on the metals that don’t so easily explode for our currency and jewelry. 🙂
-J