Iridium

Iridium is silvery white in color and to some extent resembles platinum. But it has a yellowish touch. It is available in forms such as foil, sheet, wire, and sponge and it is an important member of the Platinum Group Metals (PGM). The symbol of iridium is Ir. Its atomic number is 77 and is group number is 9. It has two natural isotopes. Its properties are very fragile. No acid can work upon it but surely melted salts such as can affect it. It is also very dense. Its melting Point is 2719 K and boiling point is 192.217.

Discovery

This Chemical metal, Iridium, was founded by Smithson Tennant in 1803 in England. The term Iridium was derived from a Latin word ‘Iris’ which means ‘rainbow’.

Uses of Iridium

Iridium is primarily used as a hardening element for t he alloys made of platinum. It is also used for high temperature devices and for making laboratory apparatus which are cup shaped. Compass bearings are also made of iridium. Used in radiation therapy for treating cancer. It is also a good catalyst.

Other Details

Iridium is extremely rare in earth and is mainly found in meteorites. It is mainly found in alluvial soil. In the commercial world, the process of nickel mining also results in the occurrence of Iridium.