Group of precious metals. Precious metals: gold, silver, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, osmium, iridium
Incredible Facts
When it comes to jewelry, many of us dream of a dazzling pearl or diamond, depending on the size of our wallet. In most cases, the chain or setting that holds the jewel itself plays the role of a second fiddle.
However, there is a reason why your neighbor hides gold coins and your father locks the family silver in a safe. Gold and silver are extremely valuable materials due to their rarity, high socio-economic value, non-reactivity, ability to resist corrosion and oxidative forces. From year to year, even from month to month, the prices of these metals fluctuate significantly.
However, among other things, these precious metals are also used for industrial purposes. For example, platinum group metals are used for mounting on laboratory equipment, dental materials and electronics. Precious and precious metals also serve as a means of investment. It is important to note that the conventional unit of weight of precious metals is a troy ounce equal to 1.1 standard ounces or 0.031 kg.
Let's take a look at the most valuable metals in the world and understand what makes them so special.
10. Indium
If precious metals had a personality, then indium would probably be a whiny baby. It's very soft (literally and figuratively), indigo on the inside (named for its spectral line being that color) and makes a kind of "scream" when flexed.
Indium is a rare metal that is extracted from zinc, lead, iron and copper ores. In its purest form, indium is a white metal that is extremely malleable and very shiny. It was first widely used during World War II as bearings on aircraft engines. Indium is also used to create corrosion-resistant mirrors, semiconductors, alloys, and electrical conductivity in various devices.
In 2009, the average price for indium was $500 per kilogram (15 per troy ounce), while China, South Korea and Japan are considered the largest producers. With the rise in prices for indium, its processing and further disposal is becoming increasingly popular.
9. Silver
Silver is one of the most valuable metals on earth. This lustrous white metal in its purest form is the best electrical and thermal conductor, yet it has the lowest resistance.
You probably know the main uses of silver - jewelry, coins, photography, various circuits, dentistry, batteries. In terms of unusual uses, silver can be used to prevent the spread of bacteria on mobile phone surfaces, remove odors from shoes, and prevent mold from treated wood.
Often silver is used in alloys with copper, gold and lead-zinc ores. The largest producers of silver are Peru, China, Mexico and Chile. The average silver price is $432 per kilogram (13.40 per troy ounce), although prices are rising regularly. Due to its wide range of uses, silver is considered one of the most valuable metals in the world.
8. Rhenium
Although rhenium may not be as well known as gold and platinum, rhenium silver is one of the densest metals and has the third highest melting point.
Because of its similar properties, rhenium, discovered in 1925, is used in high temperature gas turbine engines. This metal is also added to nickel heat resistant alloys to improve high temperature resistance. Other applications are thermocouples, electrical materials, etc.
Rhenium is a by-product of molybdenum, which is essentially a by-product of copper mining. Chile, Kazakhstan and the United States top the list of countries producing this valuable metal. Prices for it vary considerably, which is only worth the latest jump from $2,419 per kilogram to $4,548.
7. Palladium
In 1803, William Hyde Wollaston found a way to separate palladium from the surrounding platinum ores. This greyish-white precious metal is valued for its rarity, malleability, resistance to high temperatures, and its ability to absorb large amounts of hydrogen at room temperature.
Palladium, named after the Greek goddess Pallas, is one of the members of the precious metal group. Its valuable properties are in high demand, which is why it is used in various industries: car manufacturers rely on it in the manufacture of catalytic converters that regulate emissions; jewelers use it to create white gold alloys; electronics manufacturers treat their device coatings with it, since palladium has good conductive functions.
While palladium prices have skyrocketed recently, however, the average price is $8,483 per kilogram (263 per troy ounce). Almost half of palladium is produced in Russia, followed by South Africa, the US, Canada and other countries.
6. Osmium
Osmium is one of the densest elements on earth, it is bluish-silver in color and was discovered in 1803 by Smithson Tennant. He also discovered iridium (#5 on our list). Until now, the dispute about which of these metals is heavier (osmium or iridium) has not been resolved.
Rarely found osmium, as a rule, is found in ores of other platinum group metals, it is mined in some regions of Russia, North and South America. The average price for it is 12,700 dollars per kilogram.
This very hard metal has an extremely high melting point, making it difficult to handle. Osmium is mainly used to harden platinum alloys in electrical contacts, fibers, and other applications. It is worth noting that there are dangers associated with handling osmium, as it releases toxic oxides that can irritate the skin and damage the eyes.
5. Iridium
This metal is by far the most extreme member of the platinum group. It is white in color, has a surprisingly high melting point, is one of the densest elements, and is one of the most corrosion-resistant metals. Water, air, acids have no real effect on iridium.
Due to its similar properties, it is extremely difficult to extract and even more difficult to process. Most of it is supplied by South Africa, it is mined from platinum ores and acts as a by-product of nickel mining. Its average price per kilogram is $13,548. Its unique features allow this hard metal to contribute to advances in medicine, electronics, and automotive. Even jewelers are trying to use iridium in some of their exclusive creations.
4. Ruthenium
Ruthenium, a bright gray metal, was discovered in 1844 by the Russian scientist Karl Karlovich Klaus. This member of the platinum group retains many of the characteristics of its "colleagues", including hardness, rarity and resistance to external elements. In this case, ruthenium melts at a temperature of 800 degrees Celsius.
Ruthenium is found in similar ores of the platinum group in the regions of Russia, North and South America, and Canada. Prices for this metal vary, on average it costs $13,548 per kilogram (420 per troy ounce).
After a complex chemical treatment process, the metal can be isolated and used for various purposes. It is added to an alloy of platinum and palladium in order to increase hardness (in jewelry) and for better resistance (with aggressive components, especially titanium). Ruthenium has also become quite popular in the field of electronics as a way to improve the efficiency of electrical contacts.
3. Gold
Gold has always been a treasured commodity, luring everyone from the Egyptians, who adorned ancient coffins with it, to the 19th-century gold miners who scoured every inch of the California coast for nuggets.
Due to its universal desirability, strength and ductility, gold remains one of the most popular metals, including for investment. The average price of gold in 2009 was $30,645 per kilogram (950 per ounce), but in just one year, the price jumped to $40,290.
The largest gold mines are located in South Africa, USA, Australia and China. Typically, gold is separated from its surrounding rocks and minerals by panning, after which it becomes ready for various chemical reactions and smelting.
In addition to its use in jewelry, it is also used in industry. Due to its conductivity, it often becomes part of various electrical appliances, and its reflective surface allows it to be used in radiation shields and for the production of office windows.
2. Platinum
The average price for this dazzling silvery metal is $38,290 per kilo. Mined mostly in South Africa, Russia and Canada, platinum has made a name for itself due to its flexibility, density and non-corrosive properties. Also, like palladium, platinum can absorb large amounts of hydrogen.
This valuable metal has become widely used in the jewelry industry for its lustrous appearance and good resistance. Platinum is also used in areas such as dentistry, aeronautics and in the manufacture of weapons.
1. Rhodium
Rhodium is one of the most valuable metals in the world. This lustrous, silver-colored metal has remarkable reflective properties, which is why it is used in headlights, mirrors, and jewelry finishing.
In addition, rhodium is very valuable in the automotive industry. However, for its high melting point, the ability to resist corrosion of rhodium is an important element in other industries as well. This extremely rare and valuable metal is mined only in some regions. About 60 percent of the rhodium comes from South Africa, followed by Russia. Although the price of this metal has been declining over the years, it still remains the most expensive precious metal in existence today, with an average price of $46,516 per kilogram.
In the ruble: "Jewelry" I would like to make a short digression into the list of metals that are noble or, that is, precious.
So, let's answer the question:
What metals are precious
Precious metals are those that are widely used in the jewelry and electronics industries, as well as in nanoindustrial production.
They are distinguished by:
- extraordinary shine,
- grace and
- increased resistance to corrosion and oxidation.
Such metals are rarely found in pure form in nature, they must be specially mined. That is why they are called precious.
IN list of precious metals includes the following:
- silver,
- gold,
- pure platinum and
- its alloys (palladium, iridium, ruthenium, osmium and rhodium).
Some scientists refer to the group of noble metals such as technetium. It is extremely rare in natural conditions and has increased radioactivity.
Characteristics of precious metals
The following are natural types of precious metals: platinum and its alloys, silver, gold. A detailed description of each species deserves special attention.
The characteristics of precious metals largely determine the scope of their application.
Each noble metal has its own characteristics. Eg, rhodium.
Noble rhodium has a silvery color with a bluish sheen. It costs 1 gram of this metal about 230 US dollars.
Characterized by increased resistance to aggressive environments, rhodium is at the same time rather fragile. It is used only in those areas where there are no analogues for a full replacement.
Rhodium is the most valuable and most precious metal on the planet.
Platinum- the second most valuable noble metal. It is very rare in nature in its pure form, more often in alloys with other metals.
To obtain platinum, a complex and costly process is organized.
None of the acids, taken separately from the others, has a destructive effect on platinum. Air does not oxidize this metal over time.
Platinum is valued not only for its silvery white color, but also for its excellent chemical resistance.
The most important precious metal gold.
In nature, it is found both in its pure form in nuggets and silver-gold alloys.
Gold, like a metal, is distinguished by excellent thermal conductivity and low resistance parameters.
The peculiarity of gold lies in malleability and malleability. The metal is quite heavy.
In terms of chemical resistance and strength, gold is inferior to other precious metals.
The heaviest among precious metals is osmium.
Silver-white metal is not found in its pure form in natural conditions.
The rarity causes a high cost and a narrow range of applications.
Osmium is fragile. But along with this, the metal is refractory and hard, which are its main "trump cards".
Iridium also belongs to the group of heavy metals.
Its color is also silvery-white, and its distribution is quite insignificant.
It is distinguished by simultaneous brittleness and strength; due to its hardness, the metal is practically not amenable to mechanical processing methods.
One of the noble metals is named after Russia - ruthenium.
Ruthenium
This is the rarest specimen of the platinum alloy group.
Its valuable characteristics are chemical resistance and refractoriness.
It, like many valuable metals, is characterized by a combination of brittleness and hardness. In chemical reactions, ruthenium can be a catalyst.
Palladium- the lightest precious metal.
Palladium
Natural sources of palladium are copper-nickel ores.
It is the most accessible and therefore the cheapest platinum group metal.
Its features are ductility, corrosion resistance and flexibility.
Hydrogen dissolves very well in palladium. In addition, the metal melts well.
Silver in its pure form is quite often found in nature.
It is the most common noble metal.
It is distinguished by softness and plasticity, active participation in various chemical reactions.
Silver has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
As you can see from the descriptions, properties of precious metals differ from each other. But all of them are united by common features - resistance to corrosion and oxidation, as well as the high cost of the original metal.
Precious metal analysis and sampling
To spend precious metal analysis, several methods can be applied:
- Probing on stone;
- Cupellation in a muffle furnace - melting of alloys in order to isolate metals in their pure form;
- drip method;
- Various chemical-analytical techniques.
The drip method is the simplest, when the analyzed metal interacts with chromic, ferrous-cyanogen, or potassium iodide, silver nitrate, gold chloride.
The purpose of the analysis is to determine the percentage of precious metal content in the presented material. In other words, a check is carried out: an alloy in front of the inspectors or pure metal.
Samples of precious metals are made to determine the quantitative content of pure metal (silver, palladium, platinum or gold) in ligature alloys.
At the same time, samples are made on those metals that go into prosthetics, the manufacture of coins and medals, and jewelry production.
The term "precious metals" itself implies substances that have a much higher value in comparison with other materials. Their value is due primarily to the special chemical characteristics: these substances are not susceptible to corrosion and destruction, retain their appearance for a long time. In addition, there are quite few reserves of precious metals in nature, and their extraction is sometimes extremely difficult. There are eight types of noble metals, each of which has found application in its field.
List of precious metals
The following precious metals are known:
- Gold.
- Silver.
- Platinum.
- Rhodium.
- Osmium.
- Iridium.
- Ruthenium.
- Palladium.
Some scientists identify another element that can be attributed to noble metals - technetium. However, due to its radioactivity, it is not included in the general classification.
Each of the materials in nature occurs either in the form of nuggets, or as part of ore or alloys. There are not so many deposits of precious metals throughout the Earth, so their development is carried out under the strict control of those state enterprises on whose territory they are located.
Characteristics of precious metals
Consider the main characteristics of precious metals:
- Gold, or aurum (Au) is the 79th element of the periodic table, a metal with a natural luster and yellow color. It has a density of 19.32 g/cm 3 , melts at a temperature of 1064 o C. Gold is highly ductile, easy to process and mold, in addition, it is not subject to corrosion. It can only be dissolved in a mixture of nitric and perchloric acids in a ratio of 1:3.
- Silver, argentum (Ag) is in the 47th place in the periodic table of chemical elements, has a characteristic white color with brilliance. The density of silver is 10.5 g / cm 3, and it can be melted at 961.9 ° C. Among the advantages of silver, its malleability and ductility, ease of processing and forging, as well as thermal and electrical conductivity and reflectivity (reaches 95% ). Although resistant to moisture, silver can react with acidic and alkaline environments, as a result of which it begins to become covered with a black patina.
- Platinum (Pt) occupies the 78th position in the periodic table. White metal, shiny. Platinum has a higher density (21.45 g / cm 3) and a melting point (1772 ° C). In addition, the metal is insoluble in any liquids other than aqua regia (a mixture of perchloric and nitric acids). Platinum is plastic, stretches well, although it is a refractory material. In addition, it does not oxidize and is not affected by chemical reagents. In its pure form, this metal is not found, it can only be isolated from alloys with noble and non-precious non-ferrous metals.
Noble metals from the category of platinum
Five more types of precious metals come from the category of platinum:
- Palladium (Pd) - the 46th element of the periodic system, has a silvery-white color. The melting point is 1552 about C, and its density is 12.02 g/m 3 . This is the metal with the smallest mass among others from the category of platinum. At the same time, it is extremely resistant to aggressive media and chemicals. Other advantages of palladium include plasticity, ease of processing and polishing, and the ability to retain luster.
- Rhodium (Rh) is a white metal with a blue tint, located at position 45 of the periodic table. Among the chemical characteristics, its high density is noted - 12.42 g / m 3, as well as the melting point - 1960 ° C. This is one of the refractory metals, along with sufficient hardness, it is also brittle. Rhodium is characterized by high reflectivity, as well as resistance to water, oxygen, and is not affected by any acids. Only alkaline mixtures of cyanides dissolve rhodium.
- Ruthenium (Ru) is an element of the periodic system with atomic number 44. This white metal with a silvery sheen in appearance is very similar to platinum. However, it is distinguished by its great hardness with simultaneous brittleness, as well as very difficult fusibility. Ruthenium melts at 2950 o C, and its density is 12.37 g/m 3 . A distinctive feature is its resistance to chemical attack. It is the rarest of the platinum group metals.
- Iridium (Ir) is a precious metal located at 77th place in the table of chemical elements, painted white with a gray tint. The main qualities of iridium are high refractoriness, brittleness and, at the same time, increased hardness. The density is 22.42 g / m 3, and the melting point is 2450 ° C. This is the reason for the difficulties in processing it, since it can only be worked with under high pressure and at high temperature. In addition, this metal does not interact with any chemical compounds, be it alkalis, acids or mixtures thereof.
- Osmium (Os) is an element from the group of platinum metals, occupying 76th place in the periodic table. This material is the most difficult to process, extremely brittle, at the same time it is very hard and extremely refractory. The density of osmium is 22.48 g / m 3, and its melting point is the highest among platinum metals - 3047 ° C. A feature is its pungent odor, as well as absolute resistance to any alkaline or acidic environment.
Applications of precious metals
Each of the noble metals has its own scope. Precious metals are used:
- In the production of jewelry.
- For minting coins of various denominations, as well as commemorative and commemorative banknotes.
- As a hard currency for investing and opening a deposit in banking institutions.
- In mechanical engineering for the production of various parts.
- In the field of radio and electrical engineering, microelectronics, as well as in the field of high technologies.
- In the chemical industry, as well as medicine.
- in the space industry.
Investing in precious metals
Is it profitable to invest hard currency in a bank? Precious metals are the most stable currency, which, if invested successfully, can increase the owner's profits, as well as protect him from market fluctuations. All over the world, banks practice opening depersonalized metal accounts, which can be kept as deposits or participate in exchange transactions. In banking operations involved: gold, platinum, palladium and silver.
Precious metal products
Precious metals are used in large quantities in the manufacture of jewelry. Moreover, metals can be used both in pure form and as part of alloys, while they enhance and compensate for the qualities of each other. What is the most popular precious metal in jewelry? Three metals are mainly used, which have been known since ancient times: gold, silver and platinum.
How important is the content of precious metals in jewelry? Their test depends on this.
Coins made of precious metals
For the manufacture of banknotes, that is, coins, precious metals have been used for many centuries, since this is the most stable currency. Currently, commemorative, collectible banknotes are issued, and coins made of precious metals are also used as a means of investment.
Precious metal and its content
The value of certain parts in electrical engineering or cars directly depends on the content of precious metals in them. Information about this can be found on the websites of the parts manufacturer, as well as in special reference literature.
In this material:
The category of precious metals includes components of ore origin, which have increased parameters of strength, brightness, and high ductility. In addition, such materials are characterized by thermal conductivity. These precious metals also have the ability to conduct electricity.
The properties of such metals neutralize the action of aggressive environmental agents, acid-base components. Metals of this category are neutral to ultraviolet and infrared radiation, sharp thermal loads.
Practical properties of precious metals
Due to these and other technological characteristics, precious metals are of great practical importance. Most of them are actively used for scientific and industrial purposes. The value of precious metals can also be called the possibility of their use for an aesthetic purpose - in the manufacture of jewelry.
- The main industries where materials from this category are used are radio electronics, astronautics, and biological medicine. In addition, precious metals began to be used in pharmaceuticals for the production of certain groups of drugs.
- Equally valuable are the properties of these metals in the production of laser devices.
- Even in the manufacture of some household products, their alloys cannot be dispensed with. For example, in the production of mirrors or some types of dishes, certain types of this group are also used in a complex way.
Some noble components or their alloys are actively used in optical production - this is the manufacture of fiberglass components, liquid crystal displays, optical glass.
At the same time, they are used in jewelry production and investment activities.
Classification of the main types
In practical use, eight types of precious metals are involved, whose amazing properties have been noticed since ancient times. These types of noble components in the old days attracted attention mainly for their aesthetic qualities. However, practical masters of previous eras noticed in gold and silver the ability for long-term use with the preservation of the original properties.
The following elements are of practical and investment interest today:
This is the most recognized type of metal with excellent thermal conductivity, low electrical resistance and worthy aesthetic properties. It has excellent ductility and high ductility. Gold melts at 1064 degrees and has a density of 19.3. It has a bright yellow color with an inherent luster.
Silver has an amazing malleability at a density of 10.5. It is melted at 960 degrees Celsius and solidified at 3 degrees Mohs.
Silver has plasticity and inertness to physical and many chemical factors. However, upon contact with hydrogen sulfide, silver may tarnish.
In addition, silver is known for its high thermal and electrical conductivity.
This is the second most important type of precious metal. Its properties are characterized by refractoriness, ductility and excellent malleability. The melting point of platinum is 1773.5 degrees C, and the solidification point is 4.5 Mohs.
This is the rarest type of metal, having a white shiny color. It has increased resistance to the negative effects of chemical agents and physical factors.
It has a silvery-white hue, is malleable and fusible. It melts perfectly at a temperature of 1554 degrees Celsius, has a density of 11.4.
The chemical properties of palladium are somewhat inferior to other metal components - it oxidizes at a temperature of 840 degrees. However, with a further increase in the temperature regime, the oxide breaks up into separate fractions, giving the metal a light shade.
Ruthenium
It is identical in appearance to platinum, is able to melt at a temperature of 2450 degrees, has a density of 12.3.
Iridium
Iridium has the highest density among other noble metals - 22.41, which makes it the most durable and resistant to physical factors. It is used in the manufacture of high-precision instruments due to its inertness to chemicals. It melts at a temperature of 2454 degrees.
Osmium
It also has a high density of up to 22.5, is able to melt at a temperature of 2700 degrees. Osmium is white in color and highly resistant to physical and chemical factors.
Rhodium
Rhodium is the only precious metal that has a bluish-silver hue. It has high reflectivity, high thermal conductivity and low electrical resistance.
It melts at a temperature of 1966 degrees, has a density of 12.44.
All precious metals in this list are classified by type of origin into primary (ore) and secondary (placer). The first category is formed as a result of the formation of rocks. The second category is formed due to the destruction of mountain deposits with the participation of water.
Investment Properties of Precious Metals
Almost all eight copies can act as an investment instrument. But gold, platinum and silver received the greatest recognition in this capacity. They are used for long-term investment to achieve conservative goals, ensuring the safety of investments rather than their profitability.
Forms of investing in precious metals are the physical purchase of gold bars, investment and collection coins, as well as unallocated metal accounts.
Coin catalog
Copper in the modern world can be considered a precious metal. And the largest companies from the metallurgical sector understand this. Anglo American and Glencore are ready to sell assets related to iron ore or coal, but they do not intend to part with copper.
The whole reason is that By the end of this decade, the world will face a serious shortage of copper caused by a drop in investment in the sector some time ago.
Even Rio Tinto Group, one of the largest mining and metals companies, announced the appointment of the head of the copper division as the next CEO.
And BHP Billiton is also focusing on the metal, as evidenced by an additional $10 billion investment through dividend cuts and capex.
Anglo American, for example, refused to sell copper mines, referring to the fact that these are the most important world-class assets, on which the entire copper strategy is built, but due to excessive leverage, credit ratings have now been cut to "junk" levels.
The total value of M&A transactions in the sector reached $3.1 billion in 2015, the lowest level in 5 years, according to Bloomberg data. According to Ernst & Young, only 27 deals were closed during the year, compared to 38 for coal companies and 117 for gold mining companies. The low level of activity is most likely due to the lack of funds in the market.
Market participants themselves say that there are quite a lot of negotiations, but there are almost no real transactions, since sellers and buyers have different price expectations.
Copper companies are waiting for a rebound in copper prices this year. The value of the metal rose 19% from its January lows, and the quarter's rise was the first in almost two years.
Now metallurgists pin their hopes on copper, as this will allow you to pay off your debts and improve your position in the face of falling demand for metals.
However, not everyone shares this optimism. According to Goldman Sachs, "bears" will remain in the copper market until 2018, while Barclays predicts a decline to $4 thousand per ton. Now a ton of copper costs about $4.78 thousand. Since March 17, the metal has already lost 6%.
Perhaps it is the recession that will prompt companies to sell copper assets. In the first quarter, transactions worth $1.8 billion have already been completed, but so far we are not talking about large and main assets on the market. Large companies do not want to buy "garbage", they will wait for the really valuable assets to appear.
Scientists have proven that copper can replace gold and silver in photonic devices
Russian scientists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology during the experiment proved that copper can completely replace silver and gold in photonic devices. Previously, it was argued that only nanophotonic components based on gold and silver can be successfully used in photonic devices.
The revolutionary discovery of Russian scientists proved that copper can become a worthy replacement for gold and silver in photonic devices. As previously thought, all other metals, except for gold and silver, have a large absorption. As for the practical side of the issue, it is extremely difficult to make components based on these two metals because of their peculiarity not to enter into chemical reactions. This not only makes it difficult to create nanostructures, but also makes the process very expensive.
