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Platinum is a very useful and very sought after metal. It is
number 15 on the periodic table of elements. Being more valuable
than gold and as conductive as copper, platinum is considered very
versatile and precious. Its usefulness is noted in its high melting
point, its high resistance to corrosion and its catalytic properties. |
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Platinum ore tends to contain more actual platinum in it than most other ores. Platinum ore is often found near the surface where much weathering can take place. The high density of platinum and its resistance to corrosion have led to its collection along riverbeds. In many places, gold is located with the platinum but the original sources differ.
Platinum is very valuable and expensive. Its net value is said to be up to three times that of gold. Platinum mines in Choco were the leaders in the in the world from the metal's discovery util new bigger ones were found in the Urals and Russia. These mines dominated the rest in production from 1825 to about 1914. Platinum has been found as an arsenide, in sperrylite, and in Canadian nickel, copper, iron, and sulfide deposits.
Platinum also has a wide variety of everyday uses. Platinum is very popular in jewelry, often used in wedding bands and rings instead of gold. It is also ductile and is strung out into wires for use in electronics. It is sometimes used to make fancy ice buckets and other things that might be used at a party or formal meeting. Also because it conducts electricity so well, it was used as spark in World War II aircraft. Platinum is a fairly old but not over used resource.
