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Gold itself is an element (symbol Au, atomic number 79, in the "transitional metals" series of the Periodic Table) However, most "gold" that is available for sale is actually an alloy (homogeneous mixture) of gold with copper or some other metal. Gold is alloyed in this way because pure gold is too malleable (soft) to hold any given shape. Gold can also appear in compounds, but the compounds are not called "gold".

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8y ago

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