Element 79
Gold
Transition metals
Gold (Au) is in the d-block of the periodic table — group 11, period 6.
Gold is a chemical element with symbol Au (from Latin:aurum) and atomic number 79.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 79
- Atomic mass
- 196.967 u
- Group / Period
- 11 / 6
- Block
- d-block
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 19.3 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 1064.2 °C
- Boiling point
- 2969.8 °C
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s1
Periodic table block
Gold is in the d-block (group 11, period 6). Elements land in the d-block when their highest-energy electrons fill a d subshell — these are the transition metals in the middle of the table.
New to this? Periodic table blocks explained: s, p, d, and f
Common uses
- •Coinage and jewelry
- •Electronics
- •Dental fillings
Discovery
Year: Known since antiquity
Discovered by: Middle East
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Gold?
Gold has atomic number 79. Its symbol is Au and its atomic mass is 196.967 u.
What category of element is Gold?
Gold is classified as transition metals. It sits in group 11, period 6 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Gold in?
Gold is in the d-block (group 11, period 6). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the d subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s1.
What is Gold used for?
Common uses of Gold include: Coinage and jewelry, Electronics, Dental fillings.
When was Gold discovered?
Gold has been known since antiquity.
Play the game
Test your knowledge in The Lab
20-round element ID, cryptic 3-clue guesser, and an interactive periodic table.
Open The Lab →