Platinum Facts
Platinum Facts
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| Interesting Platinum Facts: |
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| Platinum has been in use by ancient civilizations in Central and South America. |
| Scientists studied samples of the metal after European exploration of the region began. |
| Although Spanish scientist Antonio de Ulloa is given the credit for discovering platinum in 1748, a large number of European scientists began studying and attempting to isolate platinum. |
| As a result of these experiments, platinum was isolated from other known elements, but their samples still contained the as-of-yet undiscovered other members of the platinum metals group. |
| This contamination by other members of the PMG led to inaccuracies in their experiments over time. |
| Like the other platinum metals, a common means of production of platinum is as a waste product in the refining of nickel and copper. |
| For almost 100 years (1889 to 1960), a 90% platinum alloy was the international standard for the definition of one meter. |
| The kilogram is still officially defined by a platinum-iridium cylinder made in 1879. |
| Platinum has six isotopes that occur in nature. |
| Only one of those naturally occurring isotopes is radioactive. |
| There are also thirty-one synthesized isotopes of platinum. |
| Platinum is considered very rare, at only 0.005 parts per million in the planet's crust. |
| The Earth's moon and meteorites often contain higher concentrations of platinum. |
| It does occur naturally in an uncombined state. |
| It is also often found combined with iridium. |
| The same locations that produced the original samples taken to Europe for further study are still the major sources of platinum mining. |
| South Africa is the leading producer of refined platinum, controlling 77% of the global share. |
| Although treasured for jewelry making, almost half of platinum's major industrial application is in catalytic converters for automobiles. |
| While vehicles and jewelry making use about 46% and 31% respectively, all other applications of platinum, including coinage and investing, make up the remaining amount. |
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