Au on the Periodic Table refers to which element?

The story behind the answer

Au is the chemical symbol for gold (atomic number 79). The symbol comes from the Latin word aurum, meaning “shining dawn.” By contrast, nickel is Ni, oxygen is O, and silver is Ag.

Gold is a “noble metal,” highly unreactive and an excellent electrical conductor, which is why it’s prized in jewelry and electronics. Memory tip: think “A U—hey, you—give me back my gold!” or remember aurum → Au → gold’s bright, dawn-like luster.