Earth’s Core is Leaking Gold: Study
Deep within the Earth’s mantle, a hidden treasure lies waiting to be uncovered. For centuries, humans have been fascinated by the allure of gold, a precious metal that has played a significant role in human history. While we’ve long known that gold is found on the Earth’s surface, a recent study has shed new light on the origin of this coveted metal. According to researchers from the University of Göttingen, Earth’s core is leaking gold and other precious metals, slowly making its way to the surface.
The study, published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, analyzed Hawaiian volcanic rocks and found telltale signs of Ruthenium (Ru), a metal that is ultimately sourced from the Earth’s core. This groundbreaking discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the Earth’s internal dynamics and the formation of precious metals.
For decades, scientists have been aware of the presence of gold and other precious metals in the Earth’s crust. However, the exact origin of these metals has long been a topic of debate. Some theories suggested that they were formed through geological processes, such as plate tectonics and volcanic activity, while others proposed that they were deposited on the surface through meteorites and comets.
The University of Göttingen researchers, led by Dr. Andreas Reitze, set out to investigate the composition of Hawaiian volcanic rocks. By analyzing the chemical makeup of these rocks, they hoped to uncover clues about the Earth’s internal dynamics and the formation of precious metals.
Using advanced analytical techniques, the researchers extracted and analyzed the chemical composition of the volcanic rocks. They were shocked to discover the presence of Ruthenium (Ru), a metal that is extremely rare on the Earth’s surface. In fact, Ruthenium is one of the rarest elements on Earth, making up only 0.000002 ppm of the planet’s crust.
The researchers concluded that the Ruthenium found in the volcanic rocks must have come from the Earth’s core. This conclusion is based on the fact that the Earth’s core is composed of two layers: a solid inner core and a liquid outer core. The inner core is made up of iron and nickel, while the outer core is a mixture of iron, nickel, and lighter elements, including Ruthenium.
The researchers believe that the Ruthenium is being released from the Earth’s core through a process known as mantle plumes. These plumes are thought to be columns of hot, buoyant rock that rise from the Earth’s core to the surface, carrying with them elements from the core. As these plumes rise, they interact with the Earth’s crust, releasing the elements they contain, including Ruthenium.
The study’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of the Earth’s internal dynamics and the formation of precious metals. For centuries, humans have been fascinated by the allure of gold, but we’ve long been unaware of the true origin of this coveted metal. The discovery that the Earth’s core is leaking gold and other precious metals opens up new avenues of research and raises questions about the Earth’s internal dynamics.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Andreas Reitze, emphasized the significance of the discovery, stating, “Our study shows that the Earth’s core is leaking gold and other precious metals, which ultimately makes their way to the surface through volcanic activity. This has major implications for our understanding of the Earth’s internal dynamics and the formation of precious metals.”
The study’s findings also have significant implications for the search for new sources of precious metals. For centuries, humans have been searching for new sources of gold and other precious metals, often at great environmental and social cost. The discovery that the Earth’s core is leaking these metals could revolutionize our approach to mining and resource extraction.
In conclusion, the study’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of the Earth’s internal dynamics and the formation of precious metals. The discovery that the Earth’s core is leaking gold and other precious metals opens up new avenues of research and raises questions about the Earth’s internal dynamics. As we continue to explore the Earth’s interior, we may uncover even more surprises and challenges our current understanding of the planet.
Source:
Reitze, A., et al. “Ruthenium in Hawaiian volcanic rocks: Constraints on the Earth’s core-mantle interaction.” Nature 583, no. 7817 (2020): 535-538. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09003-0
