Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the amount of gold present in the Earth, exploring both the total mass of gold and the quantity that humanity currently possesses. Participants engage with various aspects of this topic, including geological considerations, economic valuations, and speculative estimates of gold distribution.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that the total mass of gold in the Earth can be estimated based on the density of gold and its volume, with one estimate proposing that all the gold would fit into a cube of 10m, amounting to approximately 19 million kg.
- Others argue that the economic value of gold is much higher than suggested, with calculations indicating values in the hundreds of billions of dollars, depending on the price of gold per ounce.
- Some participants express skepticism about the estimates of gold quantity, suggesting that the actual amount of gold in the Earth's core could be significantly greater than what is found in the crust.
- There are claims that the distribution of gold is uneven, with references to specific holdings by institutions like the IMF and the amount of gold in places like Fort Knox being much larger than the proposed 10m³ cube.
- One participant mentions that the accessibility of gold is limited due to its density and reactivity, implying that much of it remains untapped in the Earth's mantle.
- Another participant raises a concern that if gold were to be found in abundance, its value could diminish significantly.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the total amount of gold in the Earth or its economic implications. Multiple competing views remain regarding the estimates of gold quantity and value, as well as the accessibility of gold deposits.
Contextual Notes
Discussions include varying assumptions about the density of gold, the definitions of total gold quantity, and the economic context of gold valuation. Some calculations depend on current market prices, which can fluctuate.