If you think breaking into Fort Knox is tough, try digging your way through 1,864 miles of rock to reach Earth's fiery core. There, you would find the world’s largest stash of gold. Experts say they have found traces of the precious metal leaking to the planet’s surface through Hawaii’s volcanoes. A research team found gold, ruthenium, and other precious metals seeping to the surface of Hawaii. Ruthenium is a rare platinum group metal. They found the metals by studying lava samples. The team published its study in the journal Nature. "When the results first came in, we realized that we had literally struck gold," said Nils Messling. He's a Göttingen University geochemist and study author. "Our data confirmed that material from the core — including gold and other precious metals — is leaking into Earth's mantle above." Experts have estimated that 99% of the world’s gold is trapped within its core. That's enough to cover the planet's land masses in a 20-inch layer of the precious metal. The team's findings show that the core leaks more than first thought. It also suggests that the world’s limited supply of gold found on the surface may have risen from it. Those thinking they might cash in on a deep dig might want to think again. It is impossible to tunnel to the Earth’s core with current technology. It’s also pretty hot down there. Temps can reach up to 10,800 degrees Fahrenheit. But Messling said: "Our findings open up an entirely new perspective on the evolution of the inner dynamics of our home planet." Reflect: What’s something you’ve learned that made you see the world differently? Gif of volcano erupting in Hawaii from GIPHY.
