11 images that put gold's rarity into context
Getty Images/Dario Pignatelli/Bloomberg
Since Ancient times, gold has served a very unique function in society.
Gold is extremely rare, impossible to create out of “thin air”, easily identifiable, malleable, and it does not tarnish. By nature of these properties, gold has been highly valued throughout history for every tiny ounce of weight. That’s why it’s been used by people for centuries as a monetary metal, a symbol of wealth, and a store of value.
Visualizing Gold’s Value and Rarity
With all that value coming from such a small package, sometimes it is hard to put gold’s immense worth into context.
The following 11 images help to capture this about gold, putting things into better perspective.
1. The U.S. median income, as a gold cube, easily fits in the palm of your hand.
The Money Project
2. A gold cube worth $1 million, has sides that are 2/3 the length of a typical banknote.
The Money Project
3. All gold used for electrical connections in the Columbia Space Shuttle would be worth $1.6 million today.
The Money Project
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