Platinum

Platinum (Pt), a precious metal coveted for its rarity and durability, shines as a symbol of luxury and enduring elegance. Known for its stunning white luster and resistance to tarnishing, platinum enjoys widespread application in jewelry crafting, like watches. The metal’s purity, often 95%, contributes to its hypoallergenic nature, making it an ideal choice for sensitive skin.

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Beyond adornments, its unique chemical properties find utility in various industrial sectors, notably catalytic converters in automobiles, where they help minimize harmful emissions. In the realm of investment, this metal serves as a valuable commodity, often sought for portfolio diversification.

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Why is platinum expensive?

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While platinum shares similarities with other precious metals, its scarcity, coupled with a high melting point, sets it apart. This rarity contributes to platinum’s desirability and enduring value in the global market.

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As a testament to its timeless allure, the material continues to be a favored choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and a range of exclusive jewelry pieces, embodying a blend of opulence and lasting beauty.

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What is the hardness of platinum?

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The Vickers hardness of platinum is approximately 40 HV (Vickers hardness) at room temperature. Platinum is a relatively soft metal compared to many others, which contributes to its ductility and malleability, making it easier to shape and form but also limiting its applications where high hardness is required.

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This lower hardness is one reason platinum is often alloyed with other metals for applications that require increased strength or wear resistance, such as in jewelry or industrial equipment. Most watch brands use 950 platinum to increase the hardness.

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950 platinum

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The Vickers hardness of 950 platinum, which is platinum alloyed with 5% of another metal (usually ruthenium, iridium, or cobalt), typically ranges between 80 and 135 HV. This range can vary depending on the specific alloying elements and processing methods. For example:

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– Platinum-5% Ruthenium (PtRu): Around 120–135 HV
– Platinum-5% Iridium (PtIr): Around 80–100 HV
– Platinum-5% Cobalt (PtCo): Generally closer to 120 HV

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The alloying metal significantly influences the hardness while retaining platinum’s desirable properties, such as corrosion resistance and workability.

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Compare case materials on the Hardness Vickers scale (from hard to hardest):

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Watches from platinum