Scientists in the field of astrophysics have identified magnetars—neutron stars with extremely powerful magnetic fields—as a source of gold in the universe. Following the Big Bang, the early universe was primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, along with trace amounts of lithium.
As stars began to form, they produced heavier elements, including iron. However, the origins of elements like gold and the processes by which they spread throughout the universe remain among the most significant mysteries in astrophysics.