Metals tend to crash (or at least drop somewhat) when markets crash because many people have to sell assets to cover margin calls, among other things. Later, precious metals rise in purchasing power, often dramatically. Stocks, bonds, crypto, and fiat currencies can all go to zero (and often HAVE in the past) while physical metals, real estate, and certain other real, physical assets do not.

An ounce of gold would dress a man well in ancient Rome -- and it still will in modern-day America.