Gold prices again fell below US$1,330/oz today as the events in Egypt boosted demand for the safe haven US dollar, which is seen as an alternative investment to the yellow metal.
The mass protests that have been rocking Egypt for over a week have turned violent as clashes erupted between the protesters and supporters of President Hosni Mubarak.
The riots, which originated in Tunisia, are rapidly spreading into other countries in the region, including Algeria, Yemen and Jordan.
Gold last traded at US$1,328/oz.
Silver and platinum fell to US$28.14/oz and US$1,822/oz respectively.
Platinum miner Lonmin (LON:LMI) posted a small gain, as did African Barrick Gold (LON:ABG), while fellow gold producer Randgold Resources (LON:RRS) and silver miner Fresnillo (LON:FRES) dropped 1.5% and 1% respectively.
In the FTSE 250, Aquarius Platinum (LON:AQP) rose marginally, while Hochschild Mining (LON:HOC) dropped 1% and Petropavlovsk (LON:POG) declined marginally.
Gold and iron ore focused African Aura Mining (LON:AAAM) led the juniors with a 12% surge.