AllMineralsRock
Platinum
Platinum is a very popular mineral composed of platinum. [1]
Platinum: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Platinum:- Transparency: Platinum is opaque.
- Luster: In terms of luster, platinum is metallic.
- Streak: Platinum streaks shiny or silver-gray.
Platinum: Background and Summary
Platinum is a rare and valuable mineral that is silver-white in color and has a high luster. It is considered one of the most precious metals in the world and is often used in high-end jewelry and in the automotive and aerospace industries. Platinum is a member of the platinum group of elements, which also includes palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium.One of the most unique characteristics of platinum is its density. It is one of the densest metals on earth, which means that it is very heavy for its size. Platinum is also highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, making it an ideal material for use in jewelry and other decorative objects. It is also very ductile and malleable, which means that it can be easily shaped and formed into a variety of different shapes and sizes.
Platinum has a wide range of uses across a variety of different industries. In addition to its use in jewelry, it is also used in the automotive industry as a catalyst to reduce emissions from vehicles. Platinum is also used in the aerospace industry as a component in jet engines and other high-performance machinery. It is also used in the medical industry as a component in pacemakers and other medical devices.
Platinum: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Platinum (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Pt |
| Chemical Composition | platinum |
| Streak | shiny, silver-gray |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: gray less common: white |
Platinum: FAQ
Q: How is platinum mined?A: Platinum is primarily mined in South Africa, Russia, and Canada. It is extracted from ore deposits using a variety of different mining methods, including underground mining, open-pit mining, and dredging.
Q: How can I tell if a piece of jewelry is made from platinum?
A: Platinum is typically marked with a stamp that indicates its purity level. Look for a stamp that says "PLAT" or "PT" followed by a number, such as 950 or 900, indicating the percentage of pure platinum in the piece.
Q: Is platinum more expensive than gold?
A: Yes, platinum is generally more expensive than gold due to its rarity and unique properties.
Sources
- "Platinum." Geology.com, https://geology.com/minerals/platinum.shtml.- "Platinum." Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/science/platinum.
- Platinum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platinum
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