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Student Science & Tech

Periodic Table
of the Elements

195.084
Platinum

Platinum

It is believed that native South Americans knew of platinum's existence before its introduction to Europeans by Columbus in 1750. As such, the name "platinum" was derived from the Spanish "platina" meaning silver, for its lustrous look.

Platinum is not affected by air or water and due to its silvery nature, platinum and a platinum-iridium alloy are frequently used in jewellery. Furthermore, this same alloy is often present in electrical contacts and in laboratory equipment.

In its pure state, platinum is well-suited for use in resistive thermometers. At the National Research Council Canada (NRC), platinum resistance thermometers are one of the standard instruments used to define temperatures on the International Temperature Scale (1990).

Further, as a catalyst, platinum has important applications in both chemical and commercial industries. Platinum wires have been widely used in cigarette lighters, where the element grows red hot while catalyzing the conversion of alcohol into formaldehyde. As a catalyst, platinum helps to increase the yield of gasoline and to purify certain gases.

Other Applications

Platinum-rhodium alloys are used during the process of producing artificial silk & glass fibres.
In the medical and dental fields, platinum has proven to be a highly valuable element.
Platinum-based implants, such as pacemakers and replacement valves, are generally well-tolerated by the human body.
When alloyed with palladium, platinum can be used in dental prostheses.

Additional Information

Learn more about relevant NRC research:

NRC-Institute for National Measurement Standards: Thermometry (NRC-INMS)

Symbol	Pt
Atomic Number	78
Relative Atomic Mass	195.084

The international prototype of the kilogram, the metric unit of mass, is maintained at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Sèvres near Paris, Paris. The cylinder, 39 mm in height and 39 mm in diameter, consists of an alloy of 90% platinum and 10% iridium (Pt-Ir) and has a density of approximately 21500 kg/m3. There are approximately 40 copies worldwide, including the one shown here, which is kept in a vault at NRC in Ottawa, Canada.