Gold bars are solid pieces of gold that are typically rectangular in shape. They are made from pure gold and are often used as a form of investment or storage of wealth. Gold bars come in various sizes, with the most common weighing about 400 troy ounces, which is approximately 12.4 kilograms. They are usually stamped with information about their purity and the manufacturer, making them easily recognizable. Investors often buy gold bars as a hedge against inflation or economic uncertainty. The value of gold bars is determined by the current market price of gold, which fluctuates based on supply and demand. Many people consider gold a safe asset, similar to other precious metals like silver and platinum.