How is gold used in electronics?

Solid state electronic devices use very low voltages and currents which are easily interrupted by corrosion or tarnish at the contact points. Gold is the highly efficient conductor that can carry these tiny currents and remain free of corrosion. Electronic components made with gold are highly reliable. read more

Gold use in electronics: Gold parts are used in cell phones and many other electronics. Image copyright iStockphoto / Matjaz Boncina. The best way to learn about minerals is to study with a collection of small specimens that you can handle, examine, and observe their properties. read more

Industrial use of gold is in the manufacture of electronics. Gold is the highly efficient conductor that can carry these tiny currents and remain free of corrosion. Electronic components made with gold are highly reliable. Gold is used in connectors, switch and relay contacts, soldered joints, connecting wires and connection strips. read more

Back in the 70's I extracted the gold, copper and solder from from about a 100Kg of salvaged circuit boards. Even with the thicker gold used in those days I didn't get enough total return to cover the total cost of the processing. read more