Physicists at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) have achieved a remarkable feat by briefly turning lead into gold. This modern twist on the age-old alchemical goal was realized at CERN, Europe’s particle-physics laboratory, where scientists collided ions of lead at close to the speed of light.
The transmutation of lead into gold has long been a dream of alchemists, but the differences in proton number between the two elements made it impossible by chemical means. However, by smashing lead ions together at the LHC, researchers were able to create gold ions for a fraction of a second.
During collisions at the LHC, beams of lead ions occasionally interact in such a way that one lead nucleus ejects three protons when passing close to another ion. This process results in the creation of gold nuclei, although they are short-lived and unstable, lasting only about a microsecond. The ALICE experiment at the LHC was able to detect and analyze these instances of gold production from 2015 to 2018, resulting in the creation of 86 billion gold nuclei, equivalent to around 29 trillionths of a gram.
While CERN researchers have no plans to pursue gold-making as a side project, the understanding of how lead can be converted into gold has important implications for improving the performance of the LHC. By studying these processes, scientists can enhance beam quality and stability, ultimately advancing our knowledge of particle physics.
The groundbreaking research conducted at the LHC represents a significant step forward in our understanding of particle interactions and the fundamental forces of nature. By harnessing the power of modern technology and cutting-edge scientific techniques, physicists are able to explore the mysteries of the universe in ways that were once thought impossible.
This article, originally published on May 9, 2025, highlights the incredible achievements of the scientific community and the ongoing quest to unravel the secrets of the cosmos.
