When was gold first discovered?

There is no record that states when gold was discovered, but it is known to have been used by human beings since at least 3000 B.C. A fairly stable element, gold can be found in a free state, often in stream beds.

Gold is one of the few metals that is not silver or gray. It is a soft metal that is very malleable and ductile. It is a fair conductor of electricity, though copper and silver are much more efficient conductors.

Gold is often used for jewelry, works of art and coinage. However, it is so soft that it is frequently alloyed with other metals such as copper to make it stronger.