Platinum (Pt) is a natural white precious metal. Platinum was discovered by human beings as early as 700 BC, and it has been considered as one of the most precious metals in the history of more than 2,000 years of human use.
In mineral classification, platinum group minerals belong to natural platinum subgroup, including natural elemental minerals such as iridium, rhodium, palladium and platinum. Platinum group minerals are all equiaxed, with few single crystals and occasionally cubic or octahedral fine crystals.
physical features
Pure platinum is a silvery white metal with luster and ductility. Its ductility is the highest among all pure metals, better than that of gold, silver and copper, but lower than that of gold. Platinum metal has strong corrosion resistance, is very stable at high temperature, and its electrical properties are also very stable.
It will not oxidize at any temperature, but will be corroded by various halogens, cyanide, sulfur and caustic soda. Platinum is insoluble in hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, but soluble in hot water will produce chloroplatinic acid (H _ H _ H2PtCl6 _ 6).
All these physical properties make platinum a widely used metal in industry. Platinum can also be used to make jewelry, because it can resist corrosion and keep luster.