[proee]

Our entire high-tech industry relies on gold because of its amazing physical properties. To say it's rarely used is not accurate.

If gold was less expensive, I'd use it for a roof on my house!

http://www.usesof.net/uses-of-gold.html

[indubitable]

And of all gold that's mined, what % of it goes towards industrial usage for its amazing physical properties?

[nullnilvoid]

Before high-tech industry even existed, gold was expensive. Clearly, the demand from high-tech industry did not make it expensive.

[alexasmyths]

It's a metal that does not tarnish, which makes it good for making pretty things, like monuments and Jewelry. That it is rare, gives it's high price.