Summary:
In this chapter, Keane talks about how elements were used for money currency. Gold was the most commonly used form of currency. Today, we use paper money and coins made out of nickel. Keane talks about how gold and brass are hard to differentiate because they are both very shiny metals. They had archeologist test it and turns out the gold in Midas' touch was actually brass. He talks about the huge gold rush in Australia 1896 and how prospectors came to the area from all the attention.
After the gold rush, a want for tellurium started. They didn't give tellurium their time of day until someone realized it could be broken down into gold. Thus gave them a new shot to a new fortune. Keane also discusses our counterfeit issue and how Euros are put under a laser to determine counterfeits and authentic Euros.
Reflection:
This chapter was very interesting especially when The golden touch myth was mentioned. I was not aware that gold and brass could even be mistaken for one another. The way that counterfeit money is determined was pretty interesting as well.
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