The forty-sixth element of the periodic table, palladium, was discovered in 1803 and named after an asteroid. More rare than gold or silver, the silvery element is found in only one location in the United States, the Stillwater Mine in Montana, and a handful of others throughout the world. This substance is what gives white gold its signature color and is found in almost all catalytic converters. Keeping this information in mind, let’s take a deep dive into the world of palladium and discover the top ten facts of precious metal.
- Everyone has a melting point and palladiums just so happens to be 2831 degrees Fahrenheit .
- Palladium is one of six metals belonging to the platinum family. The others are platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium. All these precious metals are known for their catalytic abilities when it comes to speeding up chemical reactions.
- First discovered by chemist William Hyde in 1803, by dissolving platinum in a nitric acid and hydrochloric acid mixture. Once the platinum had fully dissipated, Hyde noticed a secondary metal was left behind.
- A extremely malleable and tarnish-resistant metal, palladium has become a popular metal for jewelry making and catalytic converters because it does not react with oxygen.
- Palladium has the ability to absorb up to 900 times its own volume in hydrogen, making it the perfect container to not only store hydrogen but to also filter it.
- For the most part, palladium is a biologically inactive element, allowing for it to be yet another metal perfect for jewelry due to its relatively low probability to cause an allergic reaction.
- More than half of all the palladium annually mined is turned into catalytic converters.
- Russia and South Africa supply about 40% of the world's palladium, making them the highest producers each year.
- Palladium in naturally found alloyed with gold and other platinum grouped metals (PGMs).
- Jewelers began using palladium in 1939 as a platinum alternative when creating white gold. The precious metal is now periodically used in dental golds and other dental metals.
Looking for more information about palladium or thinking o investing in palladium bullion? Stop by any one of our Greater Seattle Area locations and speak with one of our precious metals experts!
Did you enjoy this read? Try How Much Bullion Should I Invest In?
Since 1979,Bellevue Rare Coins has been a trusted, family-owned business serving the Greater Seattle Area with locations in Bellevue, Lynnwood, Issaquah, and West Seattle. Specializing in gold, silver, diamond, and jewelry purchasing, in addition to dealing in rare coins. We now offer a vast selection of fine, vintage and custom designed jewelry. Visit anyone of our four friendly locations for the best deals selling or buying.
Do you like this Post? Share it on Twitter or like it on Facebook.
Cox Media Group
Certainly! I'm well-versed in the world of chemistry, particularly elements and their properties. Palladium, the 46th element on the periodic table, was indeed discovered in 1803. It's an intriguing metal, more scarce than gold or silver. Its discovery by chemist William Hyde through dissolving platinum in a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid showcased its unique properties. Palladium, belonging to the platinum group metals along with platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium, stands out for its catalytic prowess, aiding chemical reactions.
One of the most fascinating aspects of palladium is its occurrence in nature. It's primarily sourced from a few locations globally, with the Stillwater Mine in Montana being the sole significant source in the United States. This metal, responsible for the distinct color of white gold and widely used in catalytic converters, has exceptional properties, including its melting point at 2831 degrees Fahrenheit and its ability to absorb hydrogen at a remarkable rate.
Palladium's significance in various industries, particularly jewelry-making due to its malleability and resistance to tarnishing, is noteworthy. Its inertness makes it biologically inactive, minimizing allergic reactions, making it ideal for jewelry and dental applications. Russia and South Africa dominate palladium production globally, supplying approximately 40% of the world's output annually.
Jewelers started incorporating palladium into white gold in 1939, utilizing its properties as an alternative to platinum. Its application in dental metals has also expanded over time. Moreover, more than half of the yearly mined palladium is dedicated to catalytic converters, reflecting its pivotal role in reducing vehicle emissions.
In summary, palladium is a remarkable element with multifaceted uses, from jewelry to catalytic converters, owing to its unique properties, scarcity, and catalytic abilities that accelerate chemical reactions.
Regarding the concepts touched upon in the article:
- Palladium: Its discovery, properties (melting point, catalytic abilities, hydrogen absorption), scarcity, sources, and applications in jewelry, catalytic converters, and dentistry.
- Platinum Group Metals (PGMs): Palladium's classification within this group, which includes platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium, known for their similar properties and applications.
- Chemical reactions and catalysis: The role of palladium and other PGMs in speeding up chemical reactions.
- History and applications: Palladium's historical usage as an alternative to platinum in jewelry-making and its modern applications in various industries, from automotive to dentistry.
- Production and mining: Insights into palladium production, dominated by Russia and South Africa, and the significant role of the Stillwater Mine in Montana.
- Alloys and alloying: Natural occurrences of palladium in alloys with gold and other PGMs.
