The following graph compares the current bull market in gold, now 9.5 years in duration, against two previous bull markets:
The Nasdaq (1988-2000) and Gold (1968 to 1980)
Both markets followed the historic pattern of secular bull markets moving slowly during the skepticism phase, then entering the optimism phase, followed by the mania phase where prices move upward in a parabolic manner.
Gold entered the optimism phase when it crossed $1,000 and will enter the mania phase sometime around 2012 if it follows the same timeline.