Platinum (Pt)

Platinum (Pt)

Atomic Number: 78
Atomic Weight: 195.09
Melting Point: 1772
Boiling Point: 3827
Specific Gravity: 21.45
Valence(s): 1, 2, 3 or 4

Platinum was discovered by Ulloa in 1735. It is found in deposits of the Ural mountains and in the mineral sperrylite mined in Sudbury, Ontario. Its high melting point makes it useful for coating metals used in high-temperature environments, such as jet engines and furnaces. Platinum is also used to make jewellery. [LM] {RW}