Gold is a yellowish, shiny precious metal that has been used for thousands of years as jewelry and currency, consistently attracting conquerors, plunderers, and gold diggers from around the world. However, gold is not only a status symbol of wealth and luxury; it can also be a sign of crisis: in the 21st century, demand for gold surged during the ongoing financial crisis, as gold is considered a safe investment in economically challenging times when currencies are at risk of losing value. States also rely on gold: the second-largest holder of gold after the USA is the Deutsche Bundesbank. Furthermore, the precious metal is predicted to have a bright future in nanotechnology. This book provides an overview of the history and future of gold, gold deposits and producers, gold prices, and the gold market.