A gold ingot is a solid piece of gold that has been refined and shaped into a specific form, usually rectangular. These ingots are often produced by gold refineries and are used as a standard measure of gold purity and weight. The purity of gold in an ingot is typically expressed in karats or as a percentage, with 24 karats representing pure gold. Gold ingots are commonly used in the financial markets as a way to invest in gold. Investors and central banks often hold gold ingots as a form of wealth storage. The value of a gold ingot is determined by its weight and the current market price of gold, which can fluctuate based on supply and demand.