What is iridium metal? what are the Characteristics and applications?

Iridium is a transition metal from the platinum group. Its chemical symbol is Ir with an atomic number of 77. It is the second densest metal next to Osmium. It was discovered by scientist Smithson Tennant in 1803 and named after the Greek goddess Iris. Being one of the rarest elements in the crust of the earth, iridium has been used to show a link between dinosaur extinction and impact craters. This was done by comparing the high metal occurrence found near the craters with chondritic meteorites and asteroids, which have a higher concentration than in the earth's crust.

History

Iridium was discovered in 1803 by Smithson Tennant. It was found in the residue of platinum ores. Even though Tennant is credited with its discovery, a few French chemists had also claimed credit to discovery the element. The name was chosen as Iris, personification of a rainbow, due to the diverse colors of its salts.

Characteristics and Production

Iridium is part of the platinum group metals (PGMs). It is the second densest known metal. It has a silvery-white color resembling platinum and palladium. Its high hardness, brittleness, and high melting point (approximately 2500 degrees Celsius) make the metal difficult to work with or form. Most acids do not cause damage due to its high corrosion-resistance.

It occurs in nature uncombined, combined with platinum, or found in the natural alloys of osmiridium and iridosmine. Each is a different mixture of osmium and iridium. It is also a by-product of the nickel mining process.

Applications

Even though being one of the rarest elements in the earth, iridium does provide a good degree of functionality serving many purposes. Its use in spark plugs that is anti-corrosive and heat-resistant providing longer lasting and seemingly care-free plugs. Because of its higher melting temperature, compared to palladium and gold, these plugs can provide a better performance than other plugs except for some ruthenium alloys. It is also used in many objects such as in crucibles and other applications that require high temperatures, in electrical contacts, as a hardening agent for platinum, as a nib for fountain pens, and even jewelry.

Iridium has become an important material in many industries, from catalysts to jewelry, due to its unique performance and versatility. With the discovery of new applications and the continuous advancement of materials science, the use of iridium powder is expected to grow and become more important in the coming years.

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