Earth’s Core Contains Gold Worth $169.6 Sextillion — And It’s Slowly Leaking Toward the Surface
In a discovery that sounds like something out of science fiction, new scientific research suggests that Earth’s core contains a massive reservoir of gold — potentially valued at a staggering $169.6 sextillion. Even more astonishing: some of that gold may be slowly making its way toward the surface.
According to recent geochemical studies, Earth’s core — composed largely of iron and nickel — is also believed to house significant amounts of precious metals, including gold, platinum, and iridium. These elements sank into the core during Earth’s formation over 4.5 billion years ago, driven by gravity during the planet’s molten stage. Because of this early planetary sorting process, the core may hold more gold than the entire crust and mantle combined.
The estimated value of this deep-Earth treasure is jaw-dropping. A sextillion is a 1 followed by 21 zeroes, and $169.6 sextillion is nearly unimaginable in economic terms. For comparison, the entire global economy is valued at around $100 trillion — making the gold beneath our feet more than 1.6 million times greater in worth.
While this gold is obviously inaccessible at present, scientists say trace amounts might not stay hidden forever. Research led by geophysicists and geochemists shows that small quantities of gold and other precious metals may be “leaking” from the Earth’s core toward the surface via volcanic plumes, tectonic activity, and mantle upwelling. This phenomenon has helped explain how some of the richest gold deposits on Earth ended up near ancient volcanic regions and deep fault lines.
“These metals can hitch a ride with molten rock, rising through the mantle and crust over millions of years,” said Dr. Erika Samuelson, a geochemist involved in the study. “We’re not talking about rivers of gold, but rather minute quantities that accumulate over geological time — enough to form the gold veins that have been mined throughout human history.”
Indeed, many of the richest gold mines in places like South Africa, Nevada, and Australia may owe their origins to deep-Earth processes that began in the core. And while the actual rate of gold migration is extremely slow, the research provides new insight into the planet’s internal dynamics — and raises fascinating questions about the future of deep-Earth mining.
Of course, the idea of accessing this vast gold reserve remains purely theoretical. Temperatures in the core exceed 5,000°C (9,000°F), and current technology doesn’t allow for drilling beyond the uppermost layers of the crust, let alone to depths of thousands of kilometers. Still, some scientists speculate that within the next century, advancements in robotics, materials science, and geothermal technology could push the limits of what’s possible.
For now, the Earth’s core remains the ultimate treasure chest — one we may never be able to open, but one that continues to shape the geology and wealth of our planet from deep below.
As incredible as the figure $169.6 sextillion may sound, it’s a reminder of just how vast and mysterious the inner workings of our planet truly are — and how much we still have to discover.
