Comparing Gold to Other Metals
2. The Conductivity Hierarchy
Let’s put gold’s conductivity into perspective by comparing it to other common metals. As mentioned earlier, silver and copper are typically cited as having higher electrical conductivity than gold. But what does that actually mean in practice? Well, conductivity is usually measured in Siemens per meter (S/m). Silver clocks in at around 63 x 10^6 S/m, copper at about 59.6 x 10^6 S/m, and gold at roughly 45 x 10^6 S/m. So, yes, there’s a difference, but it’s not a monumental gap.
Think of it like a race: silver is in the lead, copper is right behind, and gold is a close third. The difference is noticeable, but not game-changing for many applications. The reason copper is so widely used in household wiring, for example, isn’t just its superior conductivity, but also its lower cost compared to silver and gold. Imagine wiring your entire house with gold! You’d need to win the lottery first.
Aluminum is another common conductor, but it lags behind gold in terms of conductivity (around 37.7 x 10^6 S/m). However, aluminum is much lighter than gold, which makes it useful in applications where weight is a concern, like in airplanes. Each metal has its own set of pros and cons, making the choice dependent on the specific requirements of the application.
Platinum, another precious metal, is significantly less conductive than gold. While platinum boasts exceptional corrosion resistance and other desirable properties, its conductivity isn’t its strong suit. So, while platinum is often used in catalytic converters and lab equipment, you won’t find it replacing gold in sensitive electronic applications where conductivity is paramount.