Gold has always stood out among other precious metals for its value over time. How much gold is there in the world? Experts don’t have an exact answer, but we know that gold is scarce. There’s only so much, and we can’t produce more of it.
This limited supply is exactly why investors turn to gold to protect their wealth, especially during times of economic uncertainty. In fact, gold recently hit $2700 per ounce, pointing to its appeal to investors seeking stability.
Discover just how scarce gold is and why that limited supply makes it so valuable. Learn about estimates of the world’s gold supply, where it’s found, and current distribution. You’ll also get details on why gold remains a popular investment choice for investors who want to protect their wealth in an uncertain world.
Knowing about gold’s limited supply helps explain why so many people work with Swiss America to hold it as an investment.
Where gold exists
We don’t have a good way to measure all of the gold in the world, but we have some estimates. According to the World Gold Council, we’ve mined around 212,582 metric tons of gold throughout history, most of it since 1950.
To put this in perspective, all the gold ever mined would fit into a cube measuring about 70 feet on each side, roughly the size of a small apartment building.
Places where gold exists include:
Underground
The World Gold Council estimates that we can still profitably mine 50,000 to 57,000 metric tons of pure gold that remain underground. The reason the amount of all the world’s gold left to mine isn’t 100% known is that underground gold reserves can change over time.
We might also discover new deposits and make advances in mining technology that will make previously unreachable gold accessible.
Earth’s crust and core
Gold is found in the Earth’s crust, but only in small amounts—about 8,000 to 12,000 metric tons spread throughout the entire crust. To give you an idea, a metric ton is about 2,200 pounds, roughly the weight of a small car. Because the gold is so scattered and deep underground, it’s usually not practical to mine. Instead, mining focuses on areas where the gold is more concentrated.
Experts believe most of the Earth’s gold sunk to the core during the planet’s formation, making it nearly impossible to extract.
As one Redditor on r/NoStupidQuestions stated, “Well, you can’t exactly mine the earth’s core.”
World’s oceans
Seawater contains gold in very tiny amounts, about 13 billionths of a gram per liter, which is like finding a single grain of sand in a large swimming pool.
Scientists estimate that the oceans hold about 20 million tons of gold, but since it’s scattered across the entire ocean, we can’t extract it with current technology.
Current placement of gold
Let’s look at where all the gold we have mined is in the world:
Already mined gold distribution
Here’s how the WGC estimates where the world’s mined gold is today:
Jewelry (45%): Most gold production is for jewelry. China and India have over 60% of the world’s jewelry market by tonnes of gold sold.
Gold coins and bars (22%): Gold coins and bars represent gold held as investments. At Swiss America, we work with investors who use physical gold to diversify their portfolios and protect their wealth.
Central bank gold reserves (17%): Central banks hold gold as a reserve asset to provide financial stability and a hedge against economic uncertainties. The U.S. Government holds the largest gold reserves in the world at 8,133.5 metric tons.
Other uses (15%): Certain industries like electronics, medical and aerospace use this precious metal in their products.
Major gold-producing regions
Gold reserves are unevenly spread worldwide in areas called “gold belts” that produce large amounts of this precious metal. Some of the biggest regions are:
Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa
Tien Shan Gold Belt, China
Carlin Trend, United States
Countries like Australia and Russia also have large amounts of underground reserves.
Investing in gold with Swiss America
Because gold is a limited resource, investors look to own physical gold and other metals as a store of wealth and as an inflation hedge. Customers choose Swiss America because we offer:
Decades of experience: Since the early 1980s, we’ve helped investors through many economic cycles and market shifts. Our longevity makes us a seasoned, trustworthy precious metals dealer.
Customer reviews: Our satisfied clients get quick delivery of high-quality metals with responsive customer service that exceeds expectations.
Expert advice: We provide expert guidance on secure storage, precious metals IRAs, gold-to-silver ratios, portfolio integration, and market trends. Our team can help you with the information you need to make smart investment decisions in precious metals.
Fair and transparent pricing: We provide competitive rates and clear pricing, so you always know exactly what you’re paying for your gold, silver, or platinum investments.
How much gold is on earth final thoughts
Gold’s scarcity, along with its demand across various uses, makes it a valuable investment. Its limited supply makes it a popular choice for investors looking to protect their wealth during uncertain times.
At Swiss America, our experts can help guide you through the process of investing in this precious metal.
Ready to secure your financial future with gold? Contact Swiss America today to explore our investment options.
How much gold is there in the world: FAQs
Who owns the most gold in the world?
The United States treasury owns most of the gold in the world.
What will happen when gold runs out?
When gold runs out, mining will stop, and the existing gold supply will become more valuable. Industries that rely on gold will have to find alternatives and gold scarcity could drive up prices for jewelry and investments.
Will we eventually run out of gold?
Yes, we will eventually run out of gold since there’s a limited amount left to mine. It could take several years to reach this point, and industries could increase their focus on recycling gold from existing sources.
Note: The information in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult with your own tax professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on this information.
