What is the chemical symbol for gold?

The chemical symbol for gold is Au, derived from the Latin word aurum, meaning “shining dawn.” Gold is a precious metal valued for its beauty, rarity, and resistance to corrosion. It has been used for centuries in jewelry, currency, and art. In scientific contexts, gold’s excellent conductivity and malleability make it useful in electronics, dentistry, and aerospace engineering. As a transition metal, it has an atomic number of 79 and occurs naturally in pure form. Its chemical stability and luster make it one of the most sought-after elements in both industry and culture throughout human history.