Gold - Or
Gold is a heraldic tincture belonging to the metals. Even in the period of living heraldry it was regarded as the most noble tincture and was often granted as a privilege when arms were augmented.
In early letters patent, real metal was used in the miniature painting of the arms. Over time, depending on storage conditions, this could fade or turn brown. From such misinterpretations later non-heraldic colours and metals, such as brown and bronze, may have originated. High-quality pigments, however, can preserve their original appearance for centuries. In some depictions, gold is rendered in a lustrous brownish shade (cf. arabesque).
The Etymology of Gold
The French and English term Or derives from the Latin aurum (“gold”). In Hungarian, the name of the pure metal was sárarany (“yellow gold”), a term already attested in 1518. The prefix sár- (“yellow”) refers to its pure, yellowish colour. In several languages the concept of gold is likewise denoted by a word meaning yellow: Latin aurum flavum, Italian oro giallo, French or jaune.
The Symbolism of Gold
During the period of dead heraldry, various symbolic meanings were attached to gold. Thus, in Prinsault’s writings it became a symbol of nobility, goodwill, elevation, and excellence. The medieval herald known as Heraldus Britannus, mentioned by Spener, used the term cytrine, which corresponds to the alchemical process of citrination in the production of the philosopher’s stone. In the thought of certain mystical philosophers (such as Johannes Tauler, c. 1300–1361), the colour yellow corresponded to the intellect.
The Production of Gold and Yellow
Before use, gold had to be mixed with chrome yellow or ground with a few drops of gum arabic. It could also be replaced with orpiment (auripigmentum), which was already used in antiquity both as a pigment and as a medicine. The Greeks called it arsenikon, Pliny the Elder referred to it as auripigmentum, and in manuscript recipe books from Lucca it appears under the name opperment.
In simple drawings, paint was used instead of metal for the depiction of metals. Plant-based dyes were also used to produce yellow, such as safflower (Carthamus tinctorius). Considerably more of it was required to produce red than yellow. Other plants used in Europe included dyer’s weld (Reseda luteola), dyer’s greenweed (Genista tinctoria), and common juniper (Juniperus communis). Above all, however, stood high-quality saffron (Crocus sativus), which probably originated in Persia. Its pigment was made from the stamens of the flower. Enormous quantities were required, yet its colouring power remained significant even when highly diluted.
Source: Wikipedia