Since time immemorial human kind has been obsessed with the yellow metal called gold. History has seen murderous plots hatched, countless throats slit and many wars fought over this precious metal. The reasons behind man’s propensity to possess this metal are unfathomable. Many learned men have tried to explain this phenomenon over the years and failed. Even to this day we see that investing in gold is the safest option that most long term investors are still eager about, unlike the stock markets which have let people down countless times in the past. Moreover, gold prices are shooting up each day owing to the lowering of crude oil prices, all thanks to the global economic downslide which is in full swing right now.
Man’s constant obsession with the yellow metal gave rise to popular myths revolving around alchemy and the philosophers stone, which was professed to bear the power to turn into gold, any metal which came into contact with it . During ancient times, the kingdoms of the orient, particularly Persia and India were renowned for their huge gold reserves. Even today one can find golden temples in India. Gold in its most common form is used for crafting jewelry. Gold jewelry has been in vogue for centuries now and its popularity continues unabated. Even though Platinum and diamond jewelry have also gained popularity among consumers, they have not eroded the gold market, but instead have created their own niches in the jewelry industry. The metal also finds uses in technology as well, especially space and satellite technology and is also used as a raw material in the manufacture of computer components.
