I think its popularity from the past is due to the wacky dreams you can have on it via dental fillings or drinking ionic gold. Although it has an antimicrobial effect which perhaps explains some of its use in dentistry, it will increase nitric oxide by 5x and studies suggest an increased risk of long term immune system impairment.<p>But if "it can be hammered to be thinner than a wavelength of visible light" can it be seen from all angles and can the light waves be seen moving through it like the semi metal ZrSiSe?