PLATINUM
A metallic element, 1812, Modern Latin, altered from earlier platina, from Spanish platina “platinum,” diminutive of plata (silver).
In use by the natives of South and Mesoamerica, the Spaniards at first thought it an inferior sort of silver, hence the name platina. It was first obtained from Spanish colonies in Mexico and Colombia, brought to Europe in 1735, and identified as an element 1741. Taken into English as platina (1750), it took its modern form (with element ending -ium) in 1812, at the time the names of elements were being regularized.
Pure platinum is a lustrous, ductile, and malleable, silver-white metal. Platinum is more ductile than gold, silver, or copper; thus being the most ductile of pure metals, but it is less malleable than gold.
Its physical characteristics and chemical stability make it useful for industrial applications. Its resistance to wear and tarnish is well suited to use in fine.
Notable properties
- Platinum has excellent catalytic properties.
- Platinum is the most ductile metal.
- Platinum is the softest of the platinum group metals. Of all known metals, only gold is more malleable than platinum.
Uses
- Catalytic converters
- Jewelry
- Laboratory equipment
- Electrical contacts and electrodes
- Cancer treatment