Gold has very useful properties. It's value as currency came not only from it's rarity but from the fact is difficult to destroy or corrode and can be easily reshaped into something new. In modern times it is useful as a conductor of electricity. ***** >Arguably the most important industrial use of gold is in the manufacture of electronics. Gold is a highly efficient conductor which can carry tiny currents and remain corrosion-free. It is used in connectors, switch and relay contacts, soldered joints, connecting wires and connection strips https://www.mecmining.com.au/top-5-uses-of-gold-one-of-the-worlds-most-coveted-metals/ ***** For the average person, gold is only useful as currency and may well be superceded in use by more commonly traded goods like those you mentioned.