What is the chemical symbol for gold?

The chemical symbol for gold is "Au." This symbol comes from the Latin word for gold, "aurum," which means "shimmering dawn." Gold is a highly valued metal known for its unique properties, such as resistance to tarnish and corrosion, making it a popular choice for jewelry and currency throughout history.

Understanding the periodic table helps to clarify why "Au" denotes gold. Each element is represented by a unique one- or two-letter symbol, reflecting either the English or Latin name of the element. In contrast, the other symbols provided correspond to different elements: "Ag" represents silver (from the Latin "argentum"), "Fe" symbolizes iron (from "ferrum"), and "Hg" stands for mercury (from "hydrargyrum"). This helps to distinguish the elements while understanding their significance and properties in chemistry.