Gold isn’t rare. So why is it valuable?

Gold is arguably the most precious metal in the world, but how rare is it really? We went on our own gold panning expedition to find out.

Correction (6:08): While there was active gold mining around Butte, Montana, the Berkeley Pit mine pictured was primarily a copper mine.

Further reading:

“Gold Panning is Easy” guidebook:


Article on the cosmic origin of gold:


Study on gold-rich asteroid bombardment:


Gold Council statistics on gold supply:


Earthworks “No Dirty Gold” campaign:


International mining standards guidance:


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