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Platinum Back to Bullion Index Home

Platinum is an extremely rare and useful metal, with an enormous variety of applications ranging from catalytic converters to TV screens and, of course, bullion investment.

Its use a store of wealth does not date as far back as that of gold and silver, but it should not be overlooked. Here you can find out what makes platinum a potentially excellent investment.

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Density of platinum

The density of platinum is 21.45 grams per cubic centimetre. As a comparison, the density of gold is 19.3 grams per cubic centimetre. Platinum is therefore one of the densest precious metals, followed by gold, palladium, and silver. Like gold then, the intrinsic density of platinum is part of what …

Does platinum tarnish?

Platinum - the chemical symbol PT - is classed as a ‘noble’ metal. This means it is unreactive, and pure Platinum will not tarnish, corrode, rust, or change colour over time. Platinum alloys of course could change this, depending on the metal(s) used, and the purity of the alloy. Generally …

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How to invest in platinum

Gold and silver are often the two precious metals most often chosen by investors for various reasons, but platinum is another choice that has grown in popularity over the past few years. With less information out there, and fewer investors to ask, it can be confusing to a beginner on …

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Is platinum better than gold?

While gold is certainly considered the most popular precious metal to invest in, the growth of platinum in recent years has left some wondering if it better than gold. Like silver, platinum reacts differently to economic conditions than gold, so at certain periods it can certainly be better than gold. …

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Palladium hallmark

Palladium hallmarks are a relatively new addition to the precious metal hallmark group. Palladium has experienced a surge in demand in the past decade, with prices rising accordingly. While platinum is still the primary metal of choice for jewellery, palladium is growing in use as well, so a palladium hallmark …

Palladium uses

Compared to gold, silver or platinum; palladium is a relatively fledgling metal in the investment market, and yet despite this, it is currently the most valuable of the four precious metals overtaking even gold. The driving force behind this impressive price climb is a combination of the uses palladium has, …

Palladium vs gold investment

Gold and silver are often the primary choice for investors looking to buy precious metals, but palladium has become a major rival to gold in recent years. Despite being a relative unknown compared to gold, palladium actually overtook gold as the most expensive precious metal in January 2019 - the …

PD Element

The element PD refers to palladium, a noble precious metal discovered in the early 1800s. PD has become a new contended for metal investors as an alternative (and more expensive metal) than gold. Palladium element Palladium is a noble precious metal element. PD is its chemical symbol and its atomic …

Platinum group metals

Platinum group metals, or PGMs, is a name for collection of six elements. The platinum group metals consist of six noble metals - meaning they are resistant to corrosion. The platinum group metals are: iridium, osmium, palladium, platinum, rhodium and ruthenium. All metals in the platinum group are 'silvery' coloured, …

Platinum hallmarks

Pure platinum, like other precious metals, is considered too soft and malleable for practical applications. It is therefore generally mixed or alloyed with other metals before being used in manufacturing. Platinum hallmarks are therefore used to clearly show the purity of the platinum in any item, allowing a true value …

Platinum investment

While the use of gold and silver as stores of wealth can be traced back to ancient civilisations, investment in platinum bullion is a much newer phenomenon. However, since the 18th Century, investment demand for platinum bars and coins has grown exponentially. The past 30 years in particular has seen …

Platinum melting point

Pure platinum has an incredibly high melting point of 1,768 °C (3,214 °F). This puts it much higher than gold or silver, which both have melting points around 1000 degrees Celsius. This high resistance to heat is just one of the reasons it is suitable for use in catalytic converters …

Platinum mining

Platinum is one of the rarest metals on Earth, and although pure lodes have been found, this is not the norm. As such platinum mining usually takes place alongside a range of of other metals. Typically, platinum is usually found alongside other platinum group metals (PGMs), within nickel and copper …

Platinum uses

Platinum has a range of uses, including electronics, automotive industry, dentistry equipment, jewellery, and bullion. The biggest use of platinum however is as a catalyst. Catalysts are materials that speed up chemical reactions and reduce the energy needed to convert a substance. Today, mention catalyst and we are likely to …

Platinum vs Gold

Having fascinated mankind for thousands of years, many would argue that gold is the definitive precious metal. However, while such a statement would not necessarily be false, gold bars and coins are not the only option you should consider for your investment portfolio. All precious metals share certain qualities. By …

PT Element

The PT element will refer to platinum. PT is the chemical symbol for platinum on the period table, with the atomic number 78. Platinum element Platinum is a noble precious metal element. PT is its chemical symbol and its atomic number is 78 on the periodic table. Due to having …

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What is the chemical symbol for palladium?

The chemical symbol for palladium is Pd, and its atomic number is 46, meaning the nucleus in an atom of palladium contain 46 protons. It was discovered by William Hyde Wollaston in 1803, who named it after the asteroid Pallas . It is considered a sister metal of platinum and …

What is the chemical symbol for platinum?

The chemical symbol for platinum is Pt. The metal takes its name from the Spanish word for silver - platina . This is due to their aesthetic similarities and the fact that it was named by the Spanish upon finding it in what is now Colombia. Like gold, platinum - …

What's inside a catalytic converter?

For investors in platinum or palladium, it is vital to know what is being used inside a catalytic converter. As we go on to explain, the price of both metals is almost solely driven by catalytic converters, and any changes to this market could have far-reaching implications for either metal. …

Where is platinum found?

Most platinum is found just a few countries, of which South Africa is the most prolific, with Russia in second a large way behind. Archaeologists believe platinum was first found and used by the ancient pre-Columbian Indians of South America for producing danglers, face studs, nose ornaments, figurines and miniature …