Gold Shines at the 2015 Oscars

Sunday night marked the 87th Academy Awards Ceremony, in which the entertainment industry came together to honor actors, directors, producers, writers and technicians for their superb and award-worthy work over the last year. As one of the most recognizable trophies in the world, the Oscar statuette is a gold symbol of achievement and has transcended decades of popular culture. However, many wonder how much gold is actually in each statuette?

As reported by Provident Metals Blog, the Oscar stands 13.5 inches tall, weighs 8.5 lbs. and is composed of a metal alloy called Britannium (93 percent tin, 5 percent antimony and 2 percent copper) and plated with 24-karat gold.

Although frequently associated with awards, metals and jewelry, many people are not aware of gold’s versatility and contributions to daily life. As one of the world’s most sought-after minerals, gold is prized for its value and unique qualities. From the fastest technology to the most sophisticated medical equipment, gold is a vital resource. Without it, our GPS and satellite technology could not navigate as quickly, our astronauts would not have adequate protection from harmful radiation and our doctors would not have the technology behind life-supporting medical equipment.

See our infographic below to learn about the many, often surprising, places where you can find gold, from outer space to inside the human body.