Platinum group facts for kids

The platinum-group metals (often called PGMs) are a special group of six metals found together in the periodic table. These metals are considered noble and precious. This means they don't easily react with other chemicals and are quite rare and valuable.

The six PGMs are ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum. They are all transition metals. They share many similar features, like how they look and how they react. Because of this, you often find them together in the same places deep inside the Earth.

Scientists sometimes divide them into two smaller groups:

• The iridium-group PGMs (IPGEs): These are osmium, iridium, and ruthenium.
• The palladium-group PGMs (PPGEs): These are rhodium, platinum, and palladium.

This grouping helps geologists understand how they behave in different rock formations.

Just above the platinum group in the periodic table are iron, nickel, and cobalt. These three metals are ferromagnetic, meaning they are strongly attracted to magnets. They are the only transition metals known to have this strong magnetic property.

What Are Platinum-Group Metals?

Platinum-group metals are known for being very strong and resistant to rust and corrosion. They can also handle high temperatures without melting. These special qualities make them very useful in many different areas of our lives.

Because they are so useful, there is a big demand for these metals. This leads to more and more PGMs being mined and produced each year.

Why Are PGMs Important?

PGMs are used in many important ways. For example, platinum is used in jewelry because it is beautiful and doesn't tarnish. It's also used in catalytic converters in cars. These devices help clean up pollution from car exhaust.

Palladium is another PGM used in catalytic converters. It's also found in electronic devices like computers and phones. Rhodium is often used to make mirrors and in some types of jewelry.

Iridium is one of the densest metals and is very hard. It's used in things that need to be very tough, like spark plugs and special tools. Osmium is also very dense and hard, sometimes used in fountain pen tips and electrical contacts. Ruthenium is used to make very hard alloys and in some electronic parts.

Using PGMs Safely

As the use and production of platinum-group metals grow, scientists are looking into any possible effects on the environment and human health. It's important to understand these impacts to make sure that using and producing PGMs is done in a safe and responsible way for everyone. More research helps us learn how to protect our planet and ourselves.

Images for kids

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  Replica of the NIST national prototype kilogram standard, made in 90% platinum - 10% iridium alloy

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  Process flow diagram for the separation of the platinum group metals.

See also

In Spanish: Grupo del platino para niños