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Physics explains why gold stays pristine

Rearrangement of atoms on the metal’s surface helps prevent reactions with oxygen

Shiny gold pellets

Unlike other metals, which oxidize in air, gold (pictured) doesn't react. Now scientists have a better understanding of why.

Bloomberg Creative/Getty Images

By Emily Conover

Steel rusts over time; copper goes green. But gold seems impervious to the elements. Scientists have now discovered a new detail behind how gold stays so pristine.

Atoms on the surface of gold rearrange into a geometry that hinders oxidation, the process that causes many metals to tarnish.