Gold has been the most sought-after metal for the longest period in history. Gold has been used as measure of value, treasure, bullion, coinage and as backing for currencies by many countries, kingdoms and empires through the millennia. Originally gold was used as ornaments by the more affluent members of society, but later it became the standard on which the wealth of a nation was built. Egyptians were the first people to value gold as a precious metal that was used for treasure and trade and not merely trinkets reserved for the affluent members of society. The value of gold is not only determined by its lustre due to its inability to oxidize, but also by its malleability and its scarcity.