Gold Found in Eucalyptus Leaves : Nature’s Hidden Detector
Gold Found in Eucalyptus Leaves: How Trees Reveal Hidden Treasures Underground
When considering gold, one imagines that it comes from the earth in the form of a precious metal from a mine. However, one of the more remarkable discoveries from a land down under – Australia, gold exists in the form of tiny particles in the leaves of eucalyptus trees.
How Gold Gets Into Eucalyptus Trees
Eucalyptus species are quite well-known for having particularly deep roots. In some of Australia’s dryer areas, some roots extend as deep as around 30–40 meters. These roots certainly do pull water, but also, while doing so, absorb some minerals. And, should there be gold buried deep down, it can be found in trace amounts throughout the tree.
What’s astonishing, however, so as not to be overly toxic for the plant, gold is mostly in the form of gold leaves. These are the very particles scientists have found in eucalyptus leaves, and which they ascribe to the tree’s unique properties.
The Science Behind the Discovery
In 2013, a team of scientists from Australia’s national science facility, CSIRO, studied a variety of trees that were situated over certain areas which were known to have gold deposits. Detailed X-ray imagery verified that the gold particles in the leaves of the eucalyptus tree were not merely particles of dust and were, in fact, contained in the leaves.
The quantity is an almost negligible amount. For a single gold ring, you could require the leaves of virtually of entire tree groves. However, that isn’t the point. The real contribution stems from the gold resource being assessed and the plants used as counters. One of the most innovative approaches is to sample the leaves instead of drilling the surface.
Why This Matters
The method is called biogeochemical exploration. In terms of drilling, it’s a less invasive and more ecologically safe method. In a country such as India, where the eucalyptus trees also thrive, this method could also be used to discover new deposits that are deep under the soil. .
The fact is astonishing : These trees are functioning as natural, silent gold and treasure detectors.
Key Takeaway
There is certainly no reason to be concerned about being the first to gather eucalyptus leaves for pieces of jewellery. However, the next moment you spot one dancing in the breeze, keep in mind that it could be concealing a tiny fleck of gold. There is no doubt that every part of the Earth is full of wonders.
References
