Wikijunior:The Elements/Platinum


Shows the position of Platinum on the periodic chart.
Platinum's symbol on the Periodic Table

What does it look like?

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A few native platinum nuggets

Platinum is a heavy metal that is grayish-white.

It has a melting point of one thousand seven hundred sixty-eight degrees Celsius. This is hotter that a Bunsen burner flame. Heating platinum to this temperature makes it glow a reddish-orange color. Heating it up even more, to three thousand eight hundred twenty-five degrees Celsius, will turn it into a glowing orange gas.

How was it discovered?

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It was first discovered by South Americans and used by pre-Columbian Indians. It was taken to Europe in the 1750s.

Where did its name come from?

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Did You Know?

  • Platinum, even though it is a metal, can be scratched by minerals such as fluorite
  • Platinum is a valuable metal, costing just over £1000 per ounce

Its name came from the Spanish word platina (meaning "little silver").

Where is it found?

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Platinum is found in South America and Russia. It is obtained as a by-product of nickel and copper mining and processing.

What are its uses?

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Platinum is used in jewelry, laboratory equipment, electical contacts, and dentistry. It is also used in the catalytic converter inside cars.

Is it dangerous?

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Yes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, short-term exposure to platinum salts "may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat" and long-term exposure "may cause both respiratory and skin allergies."

References

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