Coal vs Gold
When you think of coal, what is that you visualize? A black, dirty mineral that you wouldn’t even like to hold in your hands, isn’t it? On the other hand, one gets excited by just thinking about gold, one of the most valuable elements on the face of our planet that has traditionally been used for making jewelry. These two are seemingly two of the most dissimilar objects but if one takes a closer look, he finds that coal is just as valuable to a nation as gold, and in some ways even more valuable than gold. The importance of gold in the economy of a country is undeniable, but so is the importance of its coal reserves as it fulfills energy requirements of the country. Let us find out the differences between coal and gold, which are physically already poles apart.
Coal
Coal is composed of mainly carbon and is found underneath the surface of the earth in the form of rocks (coal beds or coal seams). Coal is formed as a result of metamorphosis of decaying plant and other organic material that takes thousands of years and is found buried under other rocks and sediments. Coal is the most important fossil fuel after oil and is the greatest source of energy requirements of the world as it is used in the production of electricity in thermal power plants. It is also a great source of release of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Coal is extracted from the earth through both open cast and underground mining. One of the superior qualities of coal, known as coking coal is used in the manufacture of steel all over the world.
Gold
Gold is an element that is known to the mankind since early civilization and has traditionally been viewed as a very valuable element used to make ornaments and jewelry. This yellow metal is very ductile and malleable and is also very dense and soft. It is also very inactive and has been used as a precious metal since time immemorial. Gold was used as a standard of money for centuries when it was finally replaced by actual currency notes in late 20th century. Of all the gold reserves around the world, nearly half is used to make jewelry while the other half is used as gold reserves by countries and as investment instrument by people. Gold is traded by investors like shares and stocks of companies and its market is called bullion market. Gold is very stable and durable which is why it is used to make ornaments and also for investments for future.
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Difference Between Coal and Gold • Gold is a precious metal that is yellow in color while coal is a mineral made up of carbon and black in color • While gold has an importance in the economy as a metal used to make jewelry and also for investment purpose, coal is crucial for the development of a country as it serves energy requirements of a country • Coal is a fossil fuel that is used in the generation of electricity in thermal power plants. It is also used in blast furnaces to make cast iron from iron ore which is used to produce steel, the strongest constructional material known to mankind. • Gold is found in very small quantities under the surface of earth while coal is abundantly found beneath the surface of the earth.
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