Platinum Group Metals
Platinum Group Metals, or PGMs, is a term used to describe six different metals that naturally occur together in nature and share many similar properties. Platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium are the six metals classified as PGMs. These metals are often referred to as the Platinum Group and are some of the rarest and most valuable elements on the planet.
Platinum has been in use since ancient times, although its rarity and similarity to other precious metals made it hard to isolate and identify. Ancient Egyptians used the metal in jewelry and vessels, while the Greeks and Romans used it as a decal for coins, jewelry, and other ornamental pieces. In the 18th century, Platinum was used to fashion a variety of items from scientific instrumentation to jewelry.
Palladium, the second member of the Platinum Group, was first isolated in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston. It was much less common than Platinum and as such was often overlooked in favor of its more glamorous cousin. Later, it was found to have a great many uses in the jewelry industry, and today it is a popular metal for settings, stones, and decorative accents.
The remaining members of the Platinum Group have all been discovered more recently, beginning with Iridium in 1803. Iridium was found to have properties that were often superior to those of Platinum and Palladium, and it soon become widely used in electronics, medical equipment, and as a raw material to craft specialized consumer goods. Rhodium, osmium, and ruthenium were all discovered in the 20th century and while they are not as commonly used as Platinum and Palladium, they still play an important role in a variety of industrial and commercial applications.
Taken together, the Platinum Group Metals represent some of the most sought-after elements on the planet. They are used to craft products ranging from jewelry to electronics, and their high melting points and corrosion resistant properties make them ideal for a multitude of applications. With an ever-growing demand for high-tech goods and the need for materials that can endure the harshest of conditions, the Platinum Group Metals are sure to remain a coveted commodity for years to come.
