Platinum

Platinum, with its natural white lustre, is probably best known for its use in jewellery. However, jewellery only represents about 40% of the overall platinum use. Around 37% are used for catalytic converters, with the remaining approximately 23% being used in other industrial applications around the world.

Platinum and its relatives, iridium and osmium, are the most dense metals known to man (platinum is nearly twice as dense as lead and 11% more dense than gold). Platinum has a high melting point and temperature stability, a great corrosion resistance, and it is a good oxidation catalyst, conductive and oxidation resistant. Most amazingly, platinum in certain compounds can inhibit the growth of cancerous cell growth, and because it is biologically compatible it is an important component in many medical applications.

Platinum contributes to environmental protection in a number of ways. As already mentioned its efficiency as a catalyst is employed in motor cars, greatly reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases. It also makes a major contribution to waste reduction as its durability and strength mean that goods containing platinum are more reliable and longer-lasting than those containing non-PGM metals. Furthermore, the high recyclability of PGMs means they can be reused many times, which minimizes their load on the environment.