Precious Metals
Precious Metals
Precious metals are elemental metals that have high economic value. In some cases, the metals have been used as currency. In other cases, the metal is precious because it is valued for other uses and is rare. The most widely known precious metals are corrosion-resistant metals that are used in jewelry, currency, and investments.
SILVER
Silver is a popular precious metal for jewelry, but its value extends well beyond beauty. It has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all the elements and has the lowest contact resistance.
Uses: Jewelry, coins, batteries, electronics, dentistry, antimicrobial agents, photography
Major Sources: Peru, Mexico, Chile, China
PLATINUM
Platinum is a dense, malleable metal with exceptional corrosion resistance. It is nearly 15 times rarer than gold yet widely used. This combination of rarity and functionality might make platinum the most precious of the precious metals.
Uses: Catalysts, jewelry, weaponry, dentistry
Major Sources: South Africa, Canada, Russia
RUTHENIUM
Ruthenium is one of the platinum group metals, or PGMs. All metals of this element family are considered precious metals because they are typically found together in nature and share similar properties.
Uses: Increasing hardness in alloys and coating electrical contacts to improve durability and corrosion resistance
Major Sources: Russia, North
PALLADIUM
Palladium is similar to platinum in its properties. Like platinum, this element can absorb an enormous quantity of hydrogen. It is a rare, malleable metal, able to maintain stability at high temperatures.
Uses: "White gold" jewelry, catalytic converters in automobiles, electrode plating in electronics
Major Sources: Russia, Canada, United States, South Africa
RHODIUM
Rhodium is a rare, highly reflective, silvery metal. It exhibits high corrosion resistance and has a high melting point.
Uses: Reflectivity, including jewelry, mirrors, and other reflectors, and automotive uses
Major Sources: South Africa, Canada, Russia
IRIDIUM
Iridium is one of the densest metals. It also has one of the highest melting points and is the most corrosion-resistant element.
Uses: Pen nibs, watches, jewelry, compasses, electronics, medicine, automotive industry
Major Source: South Africa