MYTH OF GOLD: The Magic Metal Born from Stardust | WELT Documentary
WELT Documentary・31 minutes read
Gold is a rare and valuable metal that inspires greed and criminal activities worldwide. Kevin and Robin, experienced gold hunters, embark on exciting adventures in Germany and Australia, valuing their finds for their beauty and memories rather than just their monetary worth.
Insights
- Gold, despite its allure and historical significance, can lead to crime and lawlessness due to its rarity and high value, as seen in the theft of the "Big Maple Leaf" coin in Berlin, showcasing the dark side of gold's appeal.
- Gold prospecting is not just a lucrative pursuit but also a popular hobby in Germany, with enthusiasts like Kevin and Robin valuing the thrill of the search over wealth, reflecting a broader trend of individuals engaging in the activity for enjoyment and the satisfaction of discovery rather than solely financial gain.
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Recent questions
What motivates Kevin and Robin in their gold search?
The duo's motivation lies in the thrill of the search rather than the prospect of wealth, appreciating even small discoveries. They enjoy the challenge and adventure of hunting for gold in different terrains, valuing the experience and excitement of the journey itself rather than solely focusing on the monetary rewards.
How do Kevin and Robin prospect for gold in streams?
Kevin and Robin invest in equipment like clothing, baskets, spades, and pans for gold prospecting in German streams. They search for gold in inner or outer bends behind thick stones, where it settles during winter or fall when the river has more water. The prospectors dig sand and stones from the stream, then use pans to sift out heavy materials like gold or heavy minerals. Gold prospecting involves sifting with a sieve to remove stones, then shaking and swirling the pan to settle heavy materials like gold at the bottom.
What is the significance of gold in Germany?
Gold prospecting is a popular hobby in Germany, with the potential to find gold in almost every river, albeit in varying quantities. Germany's largest gold reserves, stored in the Bundesbank in Frankfurt, amount to 1,710 tons valued at around €100 billion, with strict security measures in place to protect the treasure. Despite not earning interest or dividends and incurring storage costs, gold remains a secure asset for many Germans during crises, with individuals owning around 9,000 tons in various forms.
How does Guya Merla source gold for her jewelry collection?
Guya Merla primarily sources gold from old cell phones for her jewelry collection, emphasizing recycling and sustainability. Her goldsmith uses gold granulate from cell phones to create new jewelry pieces, highlighting the transformation of electronic waste into luxury items. Additionally, Guya Merla's foundation supports ethical gold sourcing, aiming to improve working conditions in gold mines and promote sustainable practices in the industry.
Where do Kevin and Robin venture after their gold search in Germany?
After finding 30 grams of gold in Germany, Kevin and Robin venture to Australia for a grand gold search. Equipped with a suction bottle and scraper, they discover gold flakes in a stream, valuing their collection as priceless due to the effort invested. The duo meticulously organizes their gold finds by location and year, cherishing each piece for its unique appearance and the memories attached.
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Summary
00:00
"Gold Hunters: The Search for Treasure"
- Gold is a rare and valuable metal, inspiring greed and leading to temptation, crime, and lawlessness.
- Kevin Basovich and Robin Vice Lea, experienced gold hunters, embark on a challenging journey in the Thean Forest in Germany.
- Equipped with pickaxes, metal detectors, provisions, and beer, Kevin and Robin search for gold, knowing early birds catch the worms.
- The duo navigates challenging terrain, recognizing signs like bedrock and quartz veins that indicate potential gold deposits.
- Gold mining in the Thean Slate Mountains dates back to the Middle Ages, with miners extracting around 25 kilos of gold.
- Kevin and Robin's motivation lies in the thrill of the search rather than the prospect of wealth, appreciating even small discoveries.
- The search for gold is a global pursuit, fueled by myths, legends, and historical accounts, leading treasure hunters to various locations.
- The allure of gold transcends time, with its unique properties, aesthetic appeal, and historical significance captivating people for millennia.
- The theft of the "Big Maple Leaf," a 100 kg gold coin, from the Bode Museum in Berlin marks Germany's largest gold heist.
- The thieves, members of Berlin's Remo Clan, were captivated by the coin's size and value, ultimately melting it down and evading full justice.
20:32
Gold Prospecting Adventures in Germany
- Kevin and Robin invest €5,000 in equipment like clothing, baskets, spades, and pans for gold prospecting in a German stream.
- Gold is typically found in inner or outer bends behind thick stones in streams, where it settles during winter or fall when the river has more water.
- The two prospectors dig sand and stones from the stream, then use pans to sift out heavy materials like gold or heavy minerals.
- Gold prospecting involves sifting with a sieve to remove stones, then shaking and swirling the pan to settle heavy materials like gold at the bottom.
- Kevin searches for tiny flakes of gold in cracks in rocks, but after three washes, they find no gold and decide to move upstream.
- Gold prospecting is a popular hobby in Germany, with the potential to find gold in almost every river, albeit in varying quantities.
- Guya Merla sources gold primarily from old cell phones for her jewelry collection, emphasizing recycling and sustainability.
- Guya Merla's goldsmith uses gold granulate from cell phones to create new jewelry pieces, highlighting the transformation of electronic waste into luxury items.
- Guya Merla's foundation supports ethical gold sourcing, aiming to improve working conditions in gold mines and promote sustainable practices.
- Germany's largest gold reserves, stored in the Bundesbank in Frankfurt, amount to 1,710 tons valued at around €100 billion, with strict security measures in place to protect the treasure.
41:50
"Gold: A Symbol of Beauty and Investment"
- New York is a significant hub for precious metals trading, with a cumulative gold mined throughout history totaling just over 200,000 tons, which could form a cube measuring about 22 meters on each edge. Despite gold not earning interest or dividends and incurring storage costs, it remains a secure asset for many during crises, with Germans owning around 9,000 tons in various forms.
- Kevin and Robin, after finding 30 grams of gold in Germany, venture to Australia for a grand gold search. Equipped with a suction bottle and scraper, they discover gold flakes in a stream, valuing their collection as priceless due to the effort invested. The duo meticulously organizes their gold finds by location and year, cherishing each piece for its unique appearance and the memories attached.
- Natural gold varies in appearance based on its origin, with Kevin and Robin valuing their collection beyond monetary worth, viewing it as a symbol of beauty, luxury, and investment. The gold, obtained through dedication and hard work, holds sentimental value, representing hours of labor and a treasure that transcends mere financial value.
