GK: Who Owns The Most Gold, How Many Types Exist & Which Is The Purest? – News18

Last Updated:April 03, 2025, 13:29 IST

Gold prices in Delhi hit a record Rs 93,000 on Chaitra Navratri. Globally, 212,000 tonnes of gold have been mined, with China, Russia, and Australia as top producers

Gold has long been cherished, whether for jewellery or investment, and its allure remains undiminished. Among the metals used daily, gold stands out as the most expensive, rare, and durable.

This precious metal, renowned for its numerous qualities, continues to break records during Navratri. On the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri, gold prices in Delhi reached a new peak of Rs 93,000 on Wednesday.

How Much Gold Has Been Extracted So Far

Globally, approximately 212,000 tonnes of gold have been mined, with two-thirds extracted in recent times. Collectively, this gold could fit into just three Olympic swimming pools.

China, Russia, and Australia are the leading producers, with China extracting about 330 tonnes annually, and Russia and Australia each producing around 320 tonnes per year. Other significant producers include Canada, the United States, South Africa, and Peru.

Which Country Has The Largest Gold Reserves

In terms of gold reserves, the United States leads with 8,133.5 tonnes, followed by Germany with 3,351 tonnes and Italy with 2,452 tonnes. Interestingly, the gold held in Indian temples and homes surpasses the US government’s treasury.

Officially, India possesses over 876 tonnes of gold, while temples such as Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple, Jagannath Temple, and Vaishno Devi Temple house more than 4,000 tonnes.

According to the World Gold Council, Indian women collectively own about 24,000 tonnes of gold, wearing 11 percent of the world’s total gold reserves as jewellery.

Where Is Gold Used

Gold’s applications are diverse. Globally, 50 percent of gold consumption is for jewellery, 30 percent for investment, 10-15 percent for central bank reserves, and 7-10 percent in electronics and medical sectors.

How Many Types of Gold Are There

Gold comes in various types, with its chemical symbol ‘Au’ originating from the Latin word ‘Aurum’, meaning ‘bright morning’ or ‘sunrise shine’. There are over 15 types of gold based on colour and carat. Yellow gold is most popular in India, though white gold is gaining traction. Other colours like black, green, purple, and pink are used in various parts of the world.

How Is Carat Decided

Carat denotes gold purity, with 24 carat being the purest form. However, it’s too soft for jewellery, so other metals are mixed to strengthen it. The lower the carat, the less pure the gold, and consequently, the lower the price. For instance, 22 carat gold, used for jewellery, contains 91.7 percent gold.

How Does The Price Of Gold Keep Changing

Gold prices fluctuate over time, often rising during economic crises or inflation. For example, in 1971, gold was priced at around Rs 193 per 10 grams, which increased to approximately Rs 1,330 per 10 grams by 1980. The price soared to around Rs 26,400 per 10 grams in 2011, and in 2024, it reached approximately Rs 77,913 per 10 grams.