In the Bible, gold is mentioned at least 400 times. Including, there are instructions from God to cover the furniture in the tabernacle with "pure gold." Also this metal is mentioned as one of the gifts of the Magi.
Although the ancient Jews had enough gold to create a golden calf, most likely the story of dancing around him, while Moses was talking to God on Mount Sinai, is an invention. Scientists say that gold in those days was not connected with money at all, and it could not have occurred to Jews to bribe the gods with golden calves.