What is Platinum?
Platinum is a silver metal and it is one of the most precious metals just like gold and silver. Most of the platinum produced in the world comes from South Africa. It is more precious than gold and rarer than it. You rarely find a piece of jewelry made entirely of pure platinum because it is often mixed with some other metals such as copper, palladium or cobalt. The higher the purity of platinum jewelry is, the higher its price will be.
Also read: Differences Between Silver and Platinum
Chemical Properties of Platinum
- Chemical symbol: “Pt”.
- Atomic number: 78.
- Metal class: Transitional metals.
- Melting point: 1768° C.
- Boiling point: 3825° C.
- Density: 21.45 g / cm3.
Also read: Largest Platinum Producing Countries in the World
Facts About Platinum
- Platinum is a soft metal that can be reshaped.
- Platinum is tougher than gold.
- Platinum is a good conductor of heat and electricity.
- It does not oxidize and it is not affected by common acids.
- It is one of the densest metals.
- It is corrosion resistant.
Also read: Learn More About Palladium
Common Uses of Platinum
- Platinum is widely used as catalyst in chemical reactions.
- Platinum is used in jewelry making and in decoration.
- Platinum is used to make electrical conductors and resistant wires.
- A platinum and cobalt alloy is used to produce strong and permanent magnets.