Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and atomic number 79. It is a soft, yellow, dense metal that is highly valued as a precious metal and has been used by humans for thousands of years as a decorative and functional material. Gold is resistant to tarnish and corrosion and is a good conductor of electricity. It is also highly ductile, meaning that it can be drawn into thin wires, and it is malleable, meaning that it can be pounded or pressed into various shapes without breaking. Gold is often used in jewelry, coins, and other decorative objects, and it is also used in some industrial and electrical applications.