Platinum is a dense, malleable, ductile, and highly unreactive metal with a silvery-white appearance. It is part of the platinum group metals (PGMs), which also includes palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium. Due to its unique properties, platinum is widely used in various industrial, technological, and jewelry applications. It’s one of the rarest elements in the Earth’s crust, adding to its value and demand.
When Was Platinum Discovered?
Platinum was first documented by Europeans in the early 18th century, although indigenous peoples in South America had been using it for centuries before. The name “platinum” comes from the Spanish word “platina,” meaning “little silver.” In 1735, Antonio de Ulloa, a Spanish scientist and explorer, is credited with the first official discovery of platinum in Colombia.
Platinum was initially isolated in the 18th century, though its extraction and refinement were challenging due to its high melting point and resistance to corrosion. In the late 18th century, William Hyde Wollaston, a British chemist, devised a method to isolate platinum by dissolving the raw ore in aqua regia, a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids. This process, followed by precipitation, allowed Wollaston to extract and refine pure platinum.
Early Industrial Applications of Platinum
Platinum’s early industrial applications were limited due to its rarity and high cost, but as it became more widely available, its usage expanded. Some early applications included:
- Catalysis: Platinum’s catalytic properties were discovered early on and used in the production of sulfuric acid.
- Jewelry: By the late 19th century, platinum became a popular choice in jewelry due to its luster and resistance to tarnish.
- Laboratory equipment: Platinum’s high melting point and chemical resistance made it ideal for scientific equipment like crucibles and tongs.