Platinum is the chemical element with atomic number 78.
Platinum is a chemical element that does not have an abundant presence on our planet. This metal , with atomic number 78 , has a silvery hue and can be found in alloys, integrated into some minerals or in the form of grains.
Its malleability, ductility, resistance to corrosion and casting at very high temperatures are some of the main characteristics of this metal that is used in the manufacture of laboratory instruments, thermometers, electronic parts, watches and other products.
Discovery of platinum
History says that platinum was initially confused with silver : that's where its name comes from. It was later discovered that it was a different chemical element, present in several regions of the Earth . Currently, South Africa , Russia and Canada (in that order) are the main platinum producers in the world.
Curiously, although there is more platinum than gold on the planet, the former is considered more valuable. However, this has an explanation that goes back to the end of the 19th century , when Loius Cartier created wristwatches and chose this material over gold and silver. The reason for his decision was that he needed colorless settings for the diamonds, something that gold could not offer him; He discarded silver, on the other hand, because it was considered vulgar at the time.
Your applications
On a general level, platinum is not considered a very dangerous metal. Its salts, however, can cause cancer, changes in DNA and skin allergies, among other disorders.
Beyond this, platinum is almost essential in various areas. Let's look at some of its applications:
- In motor vehicles, platinum works as a catalyst , along with rhodium and palladium, allowing the conversion of polluting gas emissions (such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and others) into less harmful ones, such as H2O vapor or nitrogen. The catalyzing that platinum can achieve is also important in the production of fertilizers and in oil refining.
- This metal is highly valued in the field of jewelry, given its purity (in the United States and Europe it is usually around 95%, while in other countries it can be 10% less) and its beauty, in addition to its properties, which They make it very particular.
- Platinum is also used to produce fiber optic cables and hard drives. Given the constant increase in popularity of devices that make use of such components, it is logical to assume that the demand for platinum will continue to grow;
- Manufacture of thermistors and thermocouples, devices used to measure temperature in the steel, semiconductor and glass industries, or as infrared detectors in various fields, including the military.
- Explosives and fertilizers, such as gauze to subject ammonia to a catalytic reaction and convert it into nitric acid.
- Manufacture of silicones in various industries , such as construction, automotive and aerospace.
- Production of glass and fiberglass reinforced plastic.
- Platinum is also used in cancer-fighting drugs and implants, as well as alloys for dental restorations and neurosurgical devices.
- As a catalyst in the development of fuel batteries (used for the generation of electrical energy , with the aim of replacing internal combustion engines).
Platinum Record is a certification that indicates that a musical album has reached a certain number of units sold.
Platinum Record
In the music industry, the certification that an album obtains when it reaches a certain number of copies sold is known as a Platinum Record .
It should be noted that the number of albums that must be sold to receive the Platinum Record varies depending on the country.