Platinum: Its Versatile Applications and Refining Process
What is Platinum?
Platinum, a dense, malleable, and highly unreactive metal, is one of the rarest elements found in the Earth's crust. Its remarkable resistance to wear, tarnish, and high temperature make it an extremely valuable and sought-after metal. Platinum belongs to a group of metals known as the Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), which also include palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium.
Versatile Uses of Platinum
Platinum's unique physical and chemical properties lend it to a variety of applications spanning numerous industries:
Jewelry: Platinum's durability and natural luster make it an ideal metal for jewelry. It is especially popular for rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Its resistance to wear and tarnish keeps platinum jewelry looking newer for longer.
Automotive Industry: Platinum is a critical component in catalytic converters, devices installed in vehicles to reduce harmful emissions. It catalyzes the conversion of harmful gases into less harmful substances before they are expelled from the vehicle's exhaust system.
Chemical Industry: Platinum is used as a catalyst in numerous chemical reactions. It is particularly useful in the manufacture of nitric acid, silicone, and benzene.
Medical Field: Platinum's biocompatibility makes it ideal for medical applications, such as pacemakers, dental fillings, and chemotherapy drugs. Platinum compounds are effective in slowing the growth of certain cancer cells.
Electronics: Platinum's high resistance to corrosion and excellent conductive properties make it valuable in electronics and computer components, including hard disk drives and LCDs.
Common Questions about Platinum Refining
What types of items typically undergo platinum refining?
Many types of items can undergo platinum refining, as long as they contain some amount of this precious metal. These include various types of jewelry, industrial equipment, medical devices, and electronic components. Platinum in these items may be present as a solid metal, an alloy, or even a chemical compound.
How can I tell if an item has platinum that can be refined?
Identifying platinum can be challenging due to its similarity to other white metals. Platinum items often have markings such as "Pt," "Plat," or "Platinum" indicating their platinum content. Additionally, a refiner can use testing methods involving electronic testers or X-ray fluorescence equipment to accurately determine platinum presence and purity.
Is it profitable to refine platinum?
Platinum settlements will depend on several factors, including the volume and purity of the platinum, and the current market price of platinum. As platinum is a valuable precious metal, refining high-purity or large-volume items can often be profitable.
Where can I get platinum items refined?
There are many professional refining services available that specialize in precious metals, including platinum. When choosing a refiner, check for things like length of time in business, availability of convenient locations, recovery rates, payment process and choices, reviews, and trade affiliations.