How much gold is in a phone

Gold is used for various purposes. In addition to gold coins and gold bars, gold can be used as part of modern technology. For example, gold is an important component in our phones. How much gold is there exactly in a phone? We provide an overview of how much gold is in a smartphone and why it is used in phones and other devices.
 

The average amount of gold in mobile phones

Initially, one might not immediately think of gold as an important component of a phone. After all, gold is a very rare and valuable precious metal. However, gold, like other valuable metals, is used in the manufacturing of smartphones. It's just not a large quantity of gold. On average, a phone contains 0.03 grams of gold. The average amount of gold used in phones is worth around €2.
 

The importance of gold in phones

Gold is a crucial part of the electrical circuits in mobile phones. These circuits also contain copper, silver, and tungsten. Together, these metals ensure the proper functioning of your phone.  
 

Why is gold used in smartphones?

Gold is used in smartphones because it is a good conductor and resistant to corrosion. Additionally, gold does not react with other elements and is an easy metal to work with. These unique properties make gold an irreplaceable part of electrical circuits.  
 

Gold versus other materials in electronics

As mentioned, other metals such as copper, silver, and tungsten are also used in electronics. Copper is primarily used for wiring in phones because it conducts electricity and heat well, and it is more abundant than gold, silver, and tungsten. Silver, like gold, is used as a conductor, making it ideal for electrical connections on a phone’s circuit board. Finally, tungsten is used in a counterweight mechanism that enables a phone to vibrate when a message is received.  

Use of gold in other devices 

 
Due to its chemical properties, gold is an important component in various types of devices. Gold is used in medical equipment and computers, among other things.  

Gold in medical equipment 

Gold is also a significant element in medical equipment because it does not react with other elements and is non-toxic. Moreover, gold has a long lifespan, which is essential in the medical world. Gold is not only used in medical equipment but also in some medical treatments, including for arthritis.  

Gold in computers  

Similar to phones, gold is used in the electrical circuits of computers. Because gold is easy to work with, conducts well, is heat-resistant, and does not corrode, it can be made into thin coatings and stretched. This allows even a small amount of gold to be used effectively.  

Gold in other devices

Finally, gold is used in other devices, including satellites and for space exploration purposes. Gold ensures that, for example, the dark panels on satellites do not overheat from the sun's radiation, as gold can reflect infrared radiation.