Physical properties and photos of platinum. Platinum: history of the discovery of the metal, areas of application, mining technologies What is made from platinum

Probably the first association with the word “platinum” will be something like a platinum wedding ring, or any expensive jewelry with a diamond. As a last resort, a platinum commemorative coin, or an investment deposit. However, in real life the situation is different. So, platinum is one of those precious metals, whose industrial use is more common than its use for jewelry purposes.

According to USGS data for 2012

Platinum automobile catalysts

As you can see from the chart above, the main application for platinum today is automotive catalysts. Due to its unique catalytic properties, platinum (as well as rhodium) are used to clean car exhaust gases from harmful substances.

The catalyst is a cylinder with a circular or elliptical cross-section, inside of which there are metal or ceramic honeycombs coated with a solution of chemicals and platinum group metals. The honeycomb structure is used to increase the contact area of ​​the exhaust gases with the reaction surface. The catalyst is installed inside a stainless steel container - this entire assembly is called an automobile catalyst, and is installed on the car between the engine and the muffler.

Car exhaust gases contain a significant number of harmful compounds that can be converted by a catalyst into relatively safe ones. The main pollutants in exhaust gases are:

- carbon monoxide (CO), which is a poisonous gas

- nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to the formation of acid rain, destroy ozone, form smog and cause breathing problems

- hydrocarbons (HC), which form smog and have an unpleasant odor

- particles containing carcinogenic compounds.

Automotive catalysts convert more than 90% of harmful compounds from gasoline engine exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2) and water vapor (H2O). Also, autocatalysts convert more than 90% of diesel engine emissions in the form of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter into carbon dioxide and water vapor.

For the first time at the legislative level, the mandatory use of catalysts for passenger car manufacturers was introduced in 1975 in the USA and Japan. They were followed by other countries with a developed automobile market - South Korea (1987), Mexico (1989), member states of the European Union (1993), Brazil (1994), Russia (1999) and China and India (2000). In Russia, the European Euro standard is used; from January 1, 2013, all new cars must comply with the Euro-4 standard. In Europe itself, the Euro-5 standard is currently in force; the transition to Euro-6 is scheduled for 2015.

It is clear that the use of platinum and platinum group metals as a component of automotive catalysts will only increase in the near future as emission standards continue to tighten.

Platinum Jewelry

In most countries where jewelry is made, platinum alloys with a pure metal content of at least 85% are used. Other platinum group metals, palladium, ruthenium and iridium, as well as copper and cobalt, are added to platinum to improve its machinability and wear resistance.

The main advantage of platinum as a jewelry material is its strength, as well as the stability of its luster and color. It can be heated and cooled many times without losing its properties or showing signs of oxidation. Even the thinnest areas of a platinum product do not change in size, which allows designers to securely mount diamonds or other stones. This gives jewelers significant creative freedom, sometimes not available with other materials.

Perhaps the best example of the masterful technique of using the properties of platinum are products where precious stones are held in place only by the tension of the ring.

The jewelry history of platinum is not so great

The Indian civilizations of South America began using platinum to make jewelry about 2000 years ago, using nuggets found in river beds. However, on other continents, platinum was not known for a long time (or rather, it was not noticed, mistaking it for the “wrong” silver) and it began to be used in jewelry relatively recently.

The modern tradition of platinum jewelery originates from the European court jewelers of the 18th century and develops through the work of prominent Edwardian and Art Deco jewelers such as Cartier And Tiffany . After Europe in the 20s of the 20th century, the jewelry boom came to the United States. But with the onset of the Great Depression, and then the Second World War, when platinum became a controlled material for military purposes, jewelers' interest in it faded.

Demand for platinum began to revive in Japan in the 1960s. Platinum has acquired a special status in Japan, combining high purity, prestige and value with traditional Japanese modesty and chastity, which is represented in Japan by the color white - the color of platinum. Japan has quickly become the world's leading market for platinum jewelry.

In Europe, the revival of platinum began in Germany in the 1970s, where jewelers gave platinum jewelry a distinctive look with completely new designs and high-gloss polishes. Demand for platinum products began to grow in Italy in the 1980s and in Switzerland, the US and the UK in the 1990s. By 1995, demand for platinum in China had grown significantly, especially among young urban women who were attracted to the new, modern style of platinum jewelry. China currently consumes up to 70% of all platinum used in jewelry and is also the largest market for platinum jewelry. Also, over the last decade, interest in platinum has grown significantly in the Indian market, which has significant growth potential.

Investing in platinum

Platinum and palladium are tangible assets that have a special set of physical and chemical properties - they are not subject to the influence of time. Just like gold and silver, platinum and palladium are accepted as universal mediums of exchange due to international standardization of their form and purity. Platinum can be purchased both as physical material (ingots, coins) and in impersonal form - special metal accounts in banks. Various exchange-traded instruments (ETFs) linked to platinum quotes on the market are also gaining popularity.

In 2012, more than 14 tons of platinum and the same amount of palladium were purchased worldwide for investment purposes.

Platinum in the chemical and oil refining industries

Platinum group metals are used in the chemical industry as catalysts to increase the efficiency of reactions.

Platinum is widely used as a catalyst in the production of nitric acid, which is the raw material for the production of nitrogen fertilizers and other substances.

Also, platinum catalysts are used in the production of various silicones. The addition of platinum to a silicone mixture catalyzes the “cross-linking” of silicone structures, making it possible to obtain a material with desired properties. Silicone is a very durable material with excellent resistance to chemical corrosion, heat and temperature changes. Silicones are also very flexible, waterproof and electrically insulating materials. The range of their applications is extremely wide - from aircraft engine parts to medical and cosmetic materials. It is clear that silicones will be used more and more in the future and, accordingly, the demand for platinum in this industry will increase.

Platinum catalysts are used in refineries to produce gasoline and petrochemical feedstocks, which are the basis for the production of plastics, synthetic rubber and polyester fibers. Oil supplied to refineries is a mixture of hydrocarbons, which belong to the heavy and light fractions. The ratio of fractions depends on the region of production, but in general there are more heavy fractions, while a light fraction is used to obtain gasoline and high-quality raw materials for further processing. Therefore, one of the main tasks of the plants is the conversion of heavy fractions into light ones. This is achieved through a complex multi-stage process of oil distillation.

Platinum is involved in distillation steps such as reforming and isomerization, which result in high-octane components for gasoline. For reforming and isomerization catalysts are used in the form of balls or granules of aluminum oxide coated with platinum. In this case, the weight of pure platinum is no more than 0.6% of the weight of the catalyst. In most modern factories, platinum is combined with tin or rhenium to increase productivity. Platinum is the key to oil refining; without it, the process would be ineffective.

In the beginning, oil refining was one of the main areas of industrial consumption of platinum. But improvements in technology and the catalysts themselves have led to less and less platinum being consumed, despite the growing number of oil refining capacities. The volume of platinum consumption for this industry does not experience sharp changes.

Other uses of platinum

Platinum glass making equipment

Platinum equipment is used in the production of various types of glass because it can withstand the temperatures used in glass making (up to 1700°C) and the abrasive action of molten glass. Platinum equipment does not react with molten glass, does not oxidize or deform at high temperatures.

Platinum in medicine

In certain chemical forms, platinum can inhibit the division of living cells. This property is used in medications that help treat cancer - carboplatin, cisplatin, oxaliplatin.

The inertness of platinum to any compounds, its electrical conductivity and non-allergenic properties make it possible to actively use it in biomedicine as a component of electrical stimulators, catheters and other medical equipment.

Platinum gauges and spark plugs

Platinum is used in sensors used in various industries. The most widely known is the oxygen sensor or “lambda”, which ensures the correct proportions of mixing air and fuel in the cylinders of car engines. Platinum is also used in automobile mass air flow sensors, climate control systems and airbags.

In addition, automotive and aircraft engines use spark plugs whose electrodes are coated with platinum and iridium to increase the life of the plug.

Fuel cells are the future of platinum

In the future, platinum consumption may increase with the start of mass production of fuel cells, where it is part of the most important component - the membrane. Fuel cells are a potential alternative to internal combustion engines, offering higher efficiency and zero emissions.

Platinum in aircraft manufacturing

Platinum is used to coat turbine blades in gas (jet) engines to increase their durability in aggressive gas environments.

Due to the heat resistance and chemical resistance of platinum, platinum utensils are used in laboratories for particularly precise and clean measurements.

Silvery-white color, density 21.45 g/cm 3, melting point 1773.5 °C, boiling point - 4410 °C. It surpasses gold and silver in hardness. Indicated by the symbol Pt. The name comes from the Spanish word plata - “silver”; platina is a diminutive form, literally “little silver” or “little silver.”

Platinum can be easily processed by pressure (forging, rolling, drawing). It is characterized by increased chemical resistance: it dissolves only in hot aqua regia, potassium cyanide and molten alkalis. Separately, none of the acids affects this metal. Platinum does not oxidize in air even when heated, and when cooled it retains its natural color.

Platinum is one of the rarest elements, its average concentration in the earth's crust is 5 10 -7% by mass. It is found in native form, in the form of alloys and compounds. Until the 18th century, platinum was unknown in Europe. In 1748, the Spanish mathematician and navigator A. de Ulloa was the first to bring to the European continent samples of native platinum found in Peru. The Italian chemist Gilius Scaliger discovered the indecomposability of platinum in 1735 and thus proved that it is an independent chemical element. Platinum was first obtained in its pure form from ores by the English chemist W. Wollaston in 1803.

PROPERTIES OF PLATINUM

Physical properties of platinum. Crystallizes into face-centered cubic lattices. When salt solutions are exposed to reducing agents, the metal can be obtained in the form of “black”, which is highly dispersed.

Platinum is capable of absorbing some gases on the surface, especially hydrogen and oxygen. The tendency to absorption increases significantly for a metal that is in a finely dispersed and colloidal state. Platinum black absorbs oxygen strongly: 100 volumes of oxygen per volume of platinum black.

Characteristics of platinum:
- color grayish-white, shiny;
- atomic radius, nm 0.138;
- crystal lattice parameters at 20 °C, nm a = 0.392;
- density at 20 °C, kg/dm 3 21.45;
- melting point, °C 1773.5;
- boiling point, °C 4410;
- specific heat capacity, J/(mol/K) 25.9;
- thermal conductivity at 25 °C, W/(m K) 74.1;
- electrical resistivity at 0 °C, μΩ cm 9.85;
- Brinell hardness, MPa 390 - 420;
- modulus of elasticity, GPa 173.

Chemical properties of platinum. Reacts fully only with hot aqua regia:
3Pt + 4HNO3 + 18HCl = 3H2 + 4NO + 8H2O.
Its dissolution proceeds extremely slowly in sulfuric acid heated to a certain temperature and in bromine.

When heated, it reacts with alkalis and sodium peroxide, halogens (especially in the presence of alkali metal halides):
Pt + 2Cl 2 + 2NaCl = Na 2.

When heated, platinum reacts with oxygen to form volatile oxides. The following platinum oxides have been isolated: black PtO, brown PtO 2, reddish-brown PtO 3, Pt 2 O 3 and Pt 3 O 4.

Metal platinum does not have a toxic effect on the human body, however, the impurities contained in platinum black (primarily tellurium) are poisonous even if they enter the body. gastrointestinal tract occur: necrosis of areas of the gastrointestinal mucosa, granular degeneration of hepatocytes, swelling of the epithelium of the convoluted tubules of the kidney, as well as “general intoxication”.

Healing properties of platinum. Metal nanoparticles are able to easily penetrate directly into the cells of the body and have a positive effect on vital processes. The most important function of platinum is rightfully considered to be the destruction of free radicals, thus slowing down the process of premature aging. Platinum is also included in some drugs used to treat cancer.

The magical properties of platinum. According to its magical properties, this metal is light and pure, does not carry any evil in itself, and does not store, unlike gold, negative memory. Platinum has a clear connection with space. The mission of platinum is to bring people goodness and wisdom, enlightenment of the soul and enlightenment of the mind. A platinum product should be used as a talisman for medical staff, as well as for people in professions where showing sensitivity to others is central. Jewelry made from rare metal can increase everything that is positive in a person a hundredfold, and neutralize the negative. They will sharpen intuition, show their owner the right path and protect him from negative external influences that destroy his energy shell.

HISTORY OF PLATINUM IN RUSSIA

In Russia, platinum was first discovered in the Urals, in the Verkh-Isetsky district, in 1819. When washing gold-bearing rocks, white shiny grains were noticed in the gold, which did not dissolve even in the strongest acids.

In 1823 V.V. Lyubarsky, Berg Assayer of the laboratory of the St. Petersburg Mining Corps, examined these grains and found that the mysterious “Siberian metal belongs to a special type of raw platinum containing a significant amount of iridium and osmium.”

In 1824, pure platinum placers were discovered in the Urals. These deposits were exceptionally rich and immediately brought Russia to first place in the world in platinum production.

In 1826, an outstanding engineer of his time, P.G. Sobolevsky together with V.V. Lyubarsky developed a simple and reliable method for producing malleable platinum.

On March 21, 1827, in the conference hall of the St. Petersburg Mining Cadet Corps, at a crowded ceremonial meeting of the Scientific Committee on Mining and Salt, the first products made from Russian platinum were shown using a new method - wire, bowls, crucibles, medals, an ingot weighing 6 pounds.

Since 1828, platinum coins of 3, 6 and 12 ruble denominations began to be issued in Russia.

In 1843, 3500 kg of platinum was already mined. This affected the price, platinum became cheaper.

In 1845, by a special decree, due to fear of counterfeiting and the import of platinum coins from abroad, all platinum coins were withdrawn from circulation within six months.

In 1867, a royal decree abolished the state monopoly on platinum and allowed its duty-free export abroad. Taking advantage of the favorable conditions, England bought up all the reserves of this metal - more than 16 tons.

Before the First World War, platinum production in Russia amounted to 90...95% of world production.

In May 1918, the Institute for the Study of Platinum was created, which later merged with the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the USSR Academy of Sciences, now named after Academician N.S. Kurnakova.

Platinum mining

Pure platinum is very rare in nature. The main form of its occurrence in ore is its own minerals, of which about 90 are known. The polyxene mineral contains 80...88% Pt and 9...10% Fe; cuproplatinum – 65...73% Pt, 12...17% Fe and 7.7...14% Cu; Nickel platinum also includes iron, copper and nickel. Natural alloys of platinum with only palladium or only with iridium are known. There are also a few minerals - compounds of platinum with sulfur, arsenic, and antimony.

Industrial use is technically possible and economically feasible if the ores contain platinum metals:
- in primary deposits from 2 - 5 g/t to a few kg/t;
- in primary complex - from tenths to hundreds (occasionally thousands) g/t;
- in placer deposits - from tens of mg/m 3 to hundreds of g/m 3 .
Significant accumulations of ore in the form of deposits are very rare.

Ore is mined using open and underground methods. The majority of alluvial and some primary deposits are developed by open-pit mining. The underground mining method is the main one in the development of primary deposits; sometimes it is used to mine rich buried placers.

After wet enrichment of ore, a “raw” concentrate is obtained - a concentrate with 70 - 90% metal minerals. This concentrate is sent for refining. Enrichment of complex sulfide ores is carried out by flotation followed by multi-operational pyrometallurgical and electrochemical processing.

The bulk of platinum deposits (more than 90%) are located in the subsoil of five countries. These include South Africa, USA, Russia, Zimbabwe, China.

In 2008, 200 tons of platinum were mined worldwide. The production leaders were: South Africa - 153.0 tons, Russia - 25.0 tons, Canada - 7.2 tons, Zimbabwe - 5.6 tons, USA - 3.7 tons, Colombia - 1.7 tons.

The leader in platinum production in Russia is MMC Norilsk Nickel. The largest platinum nuggets displayed at the exhibition of the USSR Diamond Fund weigh 5918.4 and 7860.5 grams.

The world's proven reserves of platinum group metals amount to about 80,000 tons and are distributed mainly between South Africa (87.5%), Russia (8.3%) and the USA (2.5%).

Platinum production

Raw platinum is sent from the mines to the refinery. Here it is subjected to prolonged heating in porcelain cauldrons with aqua regia. As a result, almost all platinum and palladium, partly rhodium, iridium, ruthenium and the bulk of base metals go into solution.

Platinum in solution is found in the form of two complexes:
H 2 – most of and
(NO)2.
By adding HCl to the solution, the (NO) 2 complex is destroyed so that all the platinum is converted into the H 2 complex.

Next, the iridium, palladium, and rhodium present in the solution are converted into compounds that are not precipitated by ammonium chloride, and then the solution is “finished” by heating it with acids (sulfuric or oxalic) or (according to Chernyaev’s method) with a sugar solution.

Now you can introduce ammonia and precipitate platinum in the form of ammonium chloroplatinate. Ammonium chloride solution is administered in the cold. In this case, the main part of platinum in the form of small bright yellow crystals (NH 4) 2 precipitates. The precipitate is further purified with ammonia solution and dried. The dry sediment is placed in an oven. After several hours of calcination at 800...1000°C, spongy platinum is obtained in the form of a sintered steel-gray powder.

The resulting sponge is crushed and washed again with hydrochloric acid and water. It is then melted in an oxygen-hydrogen flame or in a high-frequency furnace. This is how platinum bars are obtained.

When platinum is mined from sulfide copper-nickel ores, in which its content does not exceed several grams per ton of ore, the source of platinum and its analogues is the sludge of copper and nickel electrolysis shops. Sludge is enriched by roasting, secondary electrolysis and other methods. In the resulting concentrates, the content of platinum and its eternal companions - platinoids - reaches 60%, and they can be extracted from concentrates in the same way as from raw platinum.

APPLICATION OF PLATINUM

Over the past 20...25 years, the demand for platinum has increased several times and continues to grow. Before World War II, more than 50% of platinum was used in jewelry. Currently, about 90% of consumed platinum is used in industry and science. The use of platinum in medicine is also growing.

Acid resistance, heat resistance and constancy of properties upon ignition have made platinum absolutely indispensable in the production of laboratory equipment. Platinum is used to make: crucibles, cups, glasses, spoons, spatulas, spatulas, tips, filters, electrodes. Platinum utensils are used for particularly precise and responsible analytical operations.

Application of platinum in technology

The most important areas of application of platinum were the chemical and oil refining industries. About half of all consumed platinum is now used as catalysts for various reactions.

Platinum is the best catalyst for the oxidation of ammonia to nitrogen oxide NO in one of the main processes for the production of nitric acid.

Platinum catalysts are used in the synthesis of vitamins and some pharmaceuticals.

Platinum catalysts accelerate many other practically important reactions: hydrogenation of fats, cyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons, olefins, aldehydes, acetylene, ketones, oxidation of SO 2 to SO 3 in sulfuric acid production.

Using platinum catalysts in catalytic reforming units, high-octane gasoline, aromatic hydrocarbons and technical hydrogen are produced from gasoline and naphtha fractions of oil.

The automotive industry uses the catalytic properties of this metal for afterburning and neutralization of exhaust gases.

Platinum is indispensable for modern electrical engineering, automation and telemechanics, radio engineering and precision instrument making. Fuel cell electrodes are made from it.

An alloy of platinum and rhodium is used to make dies for the production of glass fiber.

Platinum and its alloys serve as excellent corrosion-resistant materials in chemical engineering. Equipment for the production of many highly pure substances and various fluorine-containing compounds is coated with platinum from the inside, and sometimes entirely made of it.

Platinum and its alloys are also used for the manufacture of:
- special mirrors for laser technology;
- heating elements of resistance furnaces;
- anode rods to protect submarine hulls from corrosion;
- insoluble anodes in electroplating;
- galvanic coatings;
- permanent magnets with high coercivity and residual magnetization (platinum-cobalt alloy PlK-78).
- electrodes for the production of perchlorates, perborates, percarbonates, peroxodisulfuric acid (in fact, the use of platinum determines the entire world production of hydrogen peroxide).

Application of platinum in medicine

A small part of platinum goes to the medical industry. Surgical instruments are made from platinum and its alloys, which, without oxidizing, are sterilized in the flame of an alcohol burner. Alloys of platinum with palladium, silver, copper, zinc, and nickel are excellent materials for dentures.

The inertness of platinum to any compounds, its electrical conductivity and non-allergenic properties make it possible to actively use it in biomedicine as a component of electrical stimulators, catheters and other medical equipment.

Certain platinum complexes are used in chemotherapy and show good antitumor activity for a small number of tumors.

The use of platinum in jewelry

Every year the global jewelry industry consumes about 50 tons of platinum. Most platinum jewelry trade items contain 95% pure platinum. It contains a minimum of impurities, so it is so pure that it does not fade, does not change color and retains its shine for many years.

The bright shine of platinum best reflects the true sparkle of diamonds and is an excellent setting for precious stones and combines with natural yellow gold tones. Due to its purity, it does not irritate the skin, since, unlike some other metals, it does not contain allergenic impurities.

The most important feature of platinum is its strength. Silver and gold jewelry can wear out and will have to be sent in for repairs to replace the worn part with new metal. Platinum products do not wear out, they are practically timeless.

INVESTING IN PLATINUM

Platinum's rarity and high demand make it an attractive metal for investment. Investing in platinum is a powerful financial tool that, if used skillfully, can significantly increase your capital. This is an expensive high-status metal, which is widely used in industry. It is the growing demand for platinum that is the main reason for the confident increase in its prices.

Platinum is a commodity: it is traded on the London Metal Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. In addition to platinum for immediate delivery, there are futures contracts. Prices are indicated in troy ounces.

From an investment point of view, platinum represents a definite alternative to saving money in a particular currency. In Russia, investing in precious metals, including platinum, is offered to its clients by a number of banks - Sberbank, NOMOS-Bank, SMP Bank, etc. It is possible to carry out transactions with physical bullion and using impersonal metal accounts. To carry out such operations for their clients, banks require a special license under Russian law.

Chart of changes in the price of platinum during 2013. The price of platinum in rubles per gram is calculated by the Central Bank of Russia daily.

Opening of impersonal metal accounts (OMA).

Compulsory medical insurance can be opened either by depositing physical metal (ingots) into this account, or by purchasing unallocated metal from a bank for cash rubles, or by debiting funds from a current account or deposit account. Based on the period of operation of compulsory health insurance, a distinction is made between current and deposit accounts.

Compulsory medical insurance on demand (current). Income is generated based on the increase in the exchange rate value of the precious metal in the account. The depositor can both withdraw funds and replenish the account. With this option, he has the opportunity to maneuver and manage his income, but this requires certain analytical skills.

Compulsory medical insurance urgent (deposit). The storage period for savings in a deposit compulsory medical insurance is fixed; it is agreed upon when opening an account and varies among different banks. Income is generated through interest accrued in grams of precious metals and the dynamics of precious metals quotes on world markets for this period. It may happen that at the expiration date of the contract, prices on the market will change in an unfavorable direction, and this may bring you losses.

Banks charge clients commissions for individual account transactions, namely:
- for crediting precious metal to the account upon physical delivery of bullion;
- for issuing precious metal from an impersonal metal account in physical form;
- income received from changes in precious metal quotations is subject to personal income tax at a rate of 13%, the responsibility for declaring and paying tax falls on the investor.

The most serious drawback of this investment instrument and at the same time the greatest risk for the investor is the lack of compulsory compulsory medical insurance. This fact requires particularly careful selection of a bank for conducting compulsory medical insurance.

Buying precious coins.

The tax legislation of the Russian Federation classifies platinum coins of the Russian Federation and the USSR as commemorative, therefore, when purchasing these coins, you must pay VAT, which will be 18% of the cost of the coin. Income from investments in precious coins is calculated as the difference between the price of the initial purchase of coins from the bank and the price of their subsequent sale to the bank.

In the Soviet Union, commemorative anniversary coins made of platinum were issued from 1977 to 1991. In Russia, platinum coins were issued from 1992 to 1996. Platinum coins are also issued by other countries.

It is worth noting that platinum coins are very rare; they are quite difficult to find for sale, not to mention the possibility of reselling them in a bank branch.

Purchase of measuring bars.

The largest banks in Russia develop and approve their rules for the purchase and sale of measured bullion. These rules describe in more detail the requirements for the compliance of ingots with standards for the acceptability of their contamination, as well as the cleanliness and integrity of the documentation accompanying them. Before purchasing bullion, you should carefully study these rules.

If you do not plan to remove the bullion purchased from the bank from a certified storage facility, but want to transfer it for safekeeping to the same bank by opening a metal safekeeping account, then the legislation allows you not to pay the amount of VAT on the purchase.

Many experts believe that platinum is exactly the investment instrument that you can trust and having 10 - 15% of platinum in your investment portfolio of precious metals will not be superfluous. But only the investor himself decides whether this type of precious metal can be useful to him or not.

It is considered, of course, platinum. In terms of prevalence in the earth's crust, it is one of the rarest elements. Platinum is practically never found in its pure form. and it costs a lotexpensive.Despite this,in different spheres of the national economy indeed very widely. In some cases, this metal may even be irreplaceable.

History of discovery

All platinum nuggets found to date are alloys of platinum with iridium, palladium, osmium, iron and rhodium. Sometimes there are also compounds of this metal with nickel or copper. Actually, platinum itself in its pure form is a metal of a shiny white-silver hue. It owes its name to the Spanish conquistador who conquered South America. Externally, platinum is very similar to silver, but is much more refractory.Spanish conquistadors, ohThose who discovered a metal similar to silver in South America initially simply threw it away. At the same time, the conquerors contemptuously called himplatina, which translated means “silver”.

In our country, platinum was discovered in 1819. Its industrial production began five years later.Initiallyin Russia was limited mainly to metallurgy.Used heras an additive in the production of high-quality steels. However, in1828Platinum has found another application. Then pBy decree of the Tsar, the Russian Mint began mintingmoney from this metal.

In its purest forme platinum was receivedonly in 1859 by the chemist Devel. Initiallyshein Russia was mined exclusivelyat the Verkh-Isetsky, Bilimbaevsky and Nevyansk mines. Other rich ones were discovered in 1824its deposits.

Chemical and physical characteristics

Platinum is a metal, ohrelatedto the group of the 6th transition period. Its main properties are:

infusibility;

difficult to volatility;

ability to crystallize into cubic face-centered lattices.

When hot, platinum is well welded and rolled. This metal can also absorb oxygen quite strongly. The table below shows the main characteristics of platinum:

Widemedicine and other branches of the national economy is justified, among other things, by its chemical stability.dissolvesthis metalonly in and in bromine. When heated, platinum can reactonlywith a small group of substances.

Main uses of platinum

The use of platinum in the jewelry industry is justified primarily by its nobility, rarity and beauty. It was in this way that this metal was mainly used until the middle of the last century. Only a few percent of the total amount of platinum mined was used by doctors and dental prosthetists. Today, the demand for this noble metal is growing steadily. The unique physical and chemical properties of platinum, in addition to jewelry production, make it extremely popular in various areas of industry and the national economy:

in medicine;

space industry;

chemical industry;

aircraft and shipbuilding;

in the glass industry;

in technology.

This noble metal is, of course, also used in banking.

Use of platinum in the jewelry industry

Of course, this metal is most widely used for the manufacture of various kinds of jewelry. About 50 tons of platinum are used annually in the global jewelry industry.A variety of jewelry can be made from this metal.Platinum rings,as well as chains, earrings, bracelets and necklaces, they are not only beautiful, but also durable.

The most popular metal in the jewelry industry is 950-carat metal. This alloy contains 95% of platinum itself and 5% of iridium.A metal of this composition has a high degree of elasticity and hardness. Chains, bracelets andin an alloy with iridium they can last as long as possible.

Application in the production of nitric acid and other chemicals

In technology, platinum is used mainly as a catalyst.It is this metal that is the best oxidizer of ammonia to NO in the production of nitric acid. In this case, it is usually used in the form of a wire mesh with a diameter0.05-0.09 mm. Most oftenIt is not platinum in its pure form that is used, but its alloy with rhodium.This allows the catalyst to be slightly cheaper, increases its activity and increases its shelf life.

Platinum is used in the technical industry, of course, not only in the production of nitric acid. Catalysts made from this metal can accelerate many other chemical reactions. Platinum is used, for example, in the hydrogenation of aromatic and technical hydrocarbons, ketones, acetylene, etc. This metal is also used in sulfuric acid production to produce SO 3 or SO 2.

Application in oil refining

In industrial enterprises of this specialization, platinum is actually used quite widely. In this case, it is also used as a catalyst. In oil refining, gasoline is produced using this metal in special installations. Of course, high quality. In the oil refining industry, platinum is used not in the form of a grid, but in the form of a fine powder.In addition to gasoline, technical hydrogen and aromatic hydrocarbons are also produced using this metal.

Of course, other catalysts can be used in the oil refining industry - molybdenum, aluminum, etc. However, platinum, in comparison with them, has such undeniable advantages as durability, greater activity and increased efficiency.

Application of platinum in electrical engineering and instrument making

One of the advantages of this metal is that it has stable electrical and mechanical properties. This made platinum extremely in demand in such sectors of the national economy as:

radio engineering;

electrical engineering;

automation;

precision instrumentation.

Applications of platinum in electronicsallows the production of high-quality contacts for high-precision devices. In this case, the metal is usually used in an alloy with iridium.Very often, for example, platinum is used for manufacturingcontacts of resistance furnaces and various types operating from the networkdevices.SometimesAn alloy of this metal with cobalt is also used in technology. This material is used in the manufacture of magnets that have enormous attractive force at small sizes.

Application of platinum in the automotive and space industries

In these areas of the national economyplatinum also found quitewideusage. In the automotive industry, this metal is most often used as a catalyst in exhaust gas converters. In this case, it is used as a coating agent in ceramic monoliths.

INspace industry and aircraft manufacturingThis metal is mainly used to make fuel cell electrodes. Platinum was used in a similar way, for example, in all Apollo spacecraft.

Use in medicine

Application of platinum inThis area allows us to save the lives of thousands of patients.The value of this metal in this case lies in the fact that there are no analogues to it in medicine. From platinumFor example,They make special surgical instruments that can be sterilized in the flame of an alcohol burner. With this treatment theyunlike those made from other metals,do not oxidize.

Platinum, the use of which in medicinesurgery, of course, is not limited to, can also be used indentistry, cardiology and hearing care.Often, for example, it is applied toqualitysprayer in the manufacture of instruments intended for dental treatment. In cardiology and hearing aids, electrodes are usedmade from its alloy with iridium. Theirmainly usedto stimulate cardiac activity. They are also often used to make implants for people with hearing loss.

Application of platinum in the glass industry

Platinum is a metalpomabove all else,widely usedin the production of high-quality optics. Alsoit is often alloyed with rhodiumapplyin the manufactureglass fiber spinnereta, whose thicknessoften does not exceed 1 micron.Twhatmetalable to easily withstand thousands of hours of heating up to 1450 C. Also, an alloy of rhodium with platinum practically does not react to strong temperature changes and is resistant to corrosion.

Among other things, this metal is also very often used in the manufacture of various kinds of equipment designed for the manufacture of high-quality glass. Such mechanisms are not deformed or oxidized during the production process. They also do not react with the glass itself.Very often in this industry, platinum crucibles are used, for example. They make the widely known and very expensive

Application in the chemical industry

In this case, platinum is also used mainly for the manufacture of crucibles and other laboratory equipment - cups, resistance thermometers, etc. Such products are used mainly in the manufacture of various kinds of ultrapure substances. In semiconductor crystals there should not be, for example, a single foreign atom per million of its own. These are the results that can be achieved using platinum equipment.

Instead of a conclusion

Application of platinum inreviewedhigher areasexpedient and justified. But of course, this metal can also be used in other sectors of the national economy. For example, platinum is often used to make crucibles used in growing crystals for lasers and contacts using low current technology. Compass needle holders are also made from this metal and usedin anti-aging cosmetic creams and lotions, anti-cancer drugs, etc.

Indicated by Pt.

History of platinum

The ancient world already knew the metal platinum. During archaeological excavations in Egypt, in the ruins of ancient Thebes, an artistic case was found, attributed by experts to the 7th century. BC e. This relic of the ancient world contained a grain of iridium-rich platinum.

At the beginning of the 1st century. n. e. The panners of the gold sands in Spain and Portugal began to show marked interest in the beneficial uses of “white lead,” or “white gold,” as platinum was then called. According to the testimony of the Roman writer Pliny the Elder (author of the 37-volume book “Natural History”), “white lead” was mined from the gold deposits of Valissia (Northwestern Spain) and Lusitania (Portugal). Pliny says that during washing, “white lead” was collected along with gold at the bottom of baskets and melted separately.

Long before the capture of South America by the Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors, platinum was mined by a cultured native people - the Incas, who not only owned the secret of refining and forging this precious metal, but also knew how to skillfully make various objects and jewelry from it.

The era of the fall of the Roman Empire is marked by the disappearance of jewelers and dealers in platinum jewelry from everyday life. Many centuries passed, and only in the second half of the 18th century. Scientists began to become interested in platinum and its physicochemical properties.

In 1735, the Spanish mathematician Antonio de Ulloa, while in Equatorial Colombia, drew attention to the frequent presence together with gold of an unknown metal, the shine of which was somewhat reminiscent of the shine of silver, but in all other qualities it was more like gold. This strange metal interested de Ulloa, and he brought samples of Colombian platinum to Spain.

In the 18th century, when platinum did not yet have industrial use, it was mixed with gold and gold and silver products. The Spanish government learned about this “damage” of precious metals. Fearing the possibility of mass counterfeiting of gold coins, it decided to destroy all platinum mined together with gold in the kingdom's colonial possessions. In 1735, a decree was issued ordering the destruction of all platinum mined in Colombia. This decree was in effect for several decades. Special officials, in the presence of witnesses, periodically threw cash reserves of platinum into the river.

At the end of the 18th century. The Spanish kings themselves began to “spoil” the gold coin by mixing platinum into it.

Technical uses of platinum

In 1752, the director of the Swedish mint, Schaeffer, announced his discovery of a new chemical element - platinum. Platinum's satellites - palladium, iridium, rhodium, ruthenium and osmium - were discovered much later, in the 19th century. The six listed chemical elements, which are in the eighth group of the periodic table of Mendeleev, form a group called platinum metals. All of these metals have many similar physical and chemical properties and are mostly found together in nature.

At the dawn of the introduction of platinum into technology, scientists dealt with it mostly out of curiosity, but as they studied the properties of platinum in depth, it quickly began to find wide application, especially in the chemical industry. It turned out that platinum is soluble only in aqua regia, insoluble in acids and constant when heated.

Following the appearance of the first samples of chemical glassware made from platinum, it began to be used for the manufacture of distillation apparatus for sulfuric acid. From that moment on, the growth of platinum processing began to increase sharply, as it began to be used in the production of acid-resistant and heat-resistant laboratory chemical equipment, instruments and various devices (crucibles, flasks, cauldrons, tongs, etc.).

Pyrometry uses the exceptional resistance of platinum and its alloys to high temperatures.

The valuable and sometimes irreplaceable properties of platinum and palladium have long been used in catalytic processes. A significant amount of platinum is spent on the manufacture of contact for sulfuric acid plants, where it serves as a catalyst for the oxidation of sulfur dioxide into sulfuric anhydride. Platinum in the form of a grid serves as a catalyst for the oxidation of ammonia in devices of various systems. Numerous organic syntheses also require the use of a platinum catalyst. Palladium catalyst is used in the production of synthetic ammonia and in the production of certain organic drugs. Osmium is also used in the production of synthetic ammonia according to Haber-Rosennell.

In electrical engineering, platinum metals are usually used in the form of alloys. Far from it full list parts of electrical devices where platinum alloys are used: burning needles, instruments for electrical measurements, electrodes (cathodes and anti-cathodes for X-ray tubes), wires and tapes for resistance of electric furnaces, magneto contacts (cars, internal combustion engines), contact points (telegraphy, telephony), lightning rod tips, etc.

In electrochemistry, platinum is used in the production of various electrolytic products. Medicine and dentistry are among the oldest consumers of platinum. We also note the use of platinum for surgery in the form of tips for devices used for cauterization, syringes for injection and infusion, etc.

Jewelry art occupies a leading position as a consumer of platinum in the form of alloys. Platinum gemstone settings provide better shine and purer water than settings made from other precious metals.

Finally, in the form of salts, platinum and its satellites are required for photography, for the manufacture of medicines (rhodium and ruthenium salts) and for the preparation of porcelain paints (rhodium, iridium - black paint, palladium - silver).

Platinum is also used in military applications, for example, for the manufacture of contacts used to produce detonation when mines explode, etc.

Platinum mining

The first place in world platinum mining belongs to the Ontario region in Canada. Here, in 1856, large deposits of Sudbury copper-nickel ores were discovered, which contain platinum along with gold and silver.

Before the First World War, Canadian platinum did not attract attention, and practical interest in it arose only in 1919, when, as a result of the civil war in the Urals, the production of Russian platinum fell sharply, and the world market began to feel a great shortage of this valuable metal. Since 1919, the sludge from the Sudbury copper-nickel production has been subjected to thorough processing in order to extract platinum group metals, especially since the cost of associated mining of platinum and its satellites is very low.

Russia ranks second in the world in platinum mining. Significant quantities of platinum are mined in Colombia. Other platinum-producing countries include Ethiopia and Congo. Platinum extracted directly from the subsoil, as well as platinum obtained from ores, is subjected to special processing or refining. Refining consists of the usual processes used on a small scale in the practice of analytical laboratories - dissolution, evaporation, filtration, precipitation, etc. As a result of these operations, pure platinum and separately its satellites are obtained.

Platinum deposits in Russia

The main platinum-bearing province of the Urals is the western zone of deep-seated igneous rocks, which can be continuously traced for 300 km in the Middle Urals region. Platinum deposits in this zone are mainly associated with igneous rocks. During the weathering and destruction of these rocks and when the weathering products are washed away by rivers, pure platinum placers are formed, which are an exceptional feature of the Urals and have provided the bulk of the platinum mined so far.

In the area of ​​the eastern zone of deep igneous rocks there are a number of less valuable platinum deposits. Here platinum is found together with gold and iridium osmide. Due to the destruction and erosion of these rocks, mixed gold-platinum and gold-osmist-iridium-platinum placers are formed, which are less valuable from the point of view of platinum extraction, which is only an admixture to gold here.

Ural platinum before the war of 1914-1918. took first place in the world market. In the first half of the XIX century. (from 1828 to 1839) in Russia, coins were minted from Ural platinum. However, the minting of such a coin was stopped due to the instability of the platinum exchange rate and the import of counterfeit coins into Russia.

Despite the fact that in Russia, platinum refining began immediately after the discovery of platinum deposits in the Urals. Before the revolution, the amount of platinum processed in our country was only 10-13% of the mined metal. Most of the raw platinum and refining semi-products were exported abroad.

In Moscow, there has been a refinery for more than 100 years, where they engage in mechanical processing of refined platinum and alloys. It also produces forging, rolling, wire drawing, chemical glassware, electrode grids, contacts, pyrometers, electric heating devices and other products.

It is one of the chemical elements. A metal of great value. Here is the succinct answer to what platinum is. Under natural conditions, Pt occurs in the form of nuggets; it can be “pure” or with impurities.

If you dive into history, it turns out that platinum got its name thanks to the Spanish conquistadors, at that time they were conquering South America. Then they mined silver and discovered a metal similar to silver, which turned out to be refractory.

Nobody knew how to exploit this metal - the Spaniards did not come up with anything else but to simply throw away Pt.

For a long time the use of the metal was unknown. The thing is that it is a refractory element. Antoine Lavoisier was the first to melt it in 1782. To do this, he used a device he created to supply burning oxygen, putting there a small part of Pt that was in charcoal. The scientists were delighted.

The Academy of Sciences in Paris could personally observe this experiment, since it was repeated. This was not easy to do, because the scientist’s apparatus had to be transported, and this required money.

Many people saw this. One of the lucky ones was Count Du Nord. But in fact it was Paul 1 (son of Catherine the Great).

Reserves

Russia also had its own reserves of platinum, which were discovered in the Urals in 1819 near Yekaterinburg. Later, in 1854, deposits were found in the Nizhny Tagil district, and industrial production began. Russia has taken a leading position in the extraction of this metal throughout the world.

There was great demand for Ural platinum from foreign firms. After the industry began to extract “pure” metal, this trend only increased. At first, England and France showed particular interest, and then Germany became involved, and the United States of America also joined.

A lot of metal was mined in the Urals, but not all of it could be exploited. That is why it was decided to create platinum coins in 1826. In addition, they began to produce other products of excellent quality. Nowadays, one 19th century coin can cost up to $5,000. In Russia, coins from the white element began to be minted in 1828.

Currently, Pt reserves are available in the following countries:

• Zimbabwe;
• China;
• Russia;
• USA.

These 5 countries contain about 90% of the world's reserves.

This is interesting! The metal was actively exploited in Ancient Egypt when creating various decorations.

Story

It is curious that the ancient Incas mined and exploited metal. But the Old World knew nothing about Pt. In 1557, the first news of platinum appeared. But the scammers who counterfeited money discovered an interesting property of Pt - it alloys well with gold.

What followed was the incredible: the Spanish king in 1735 stopped the import of metal into the country. And all its reserves, by decision of the ruler, were to be drowned in the sea.

Not only counterfeiters tried to cheat, but also jewelers. They added an element to the alloy with gold, reducing the price of the product. This process was approached responsibly - it was almost impossible to detect deception. Platinum contributed to weight gain; in order to somehow compensate for this, a little silver was added. Nevertheless, it was possible to identify the deception. Therefore, the import of platinum into Europe was banned for a certain period.

Public properties

In the chemical table, platinum is called Pt, its autonomous number is 78. Simple chemical element is a heavy but soft metal, its atomic mass is 195.084 a. e.m. The color of platinum has a silvery-white tint. This is a rare valuable item. The chemical properties of platinum are unique; it is an inert metal.

Platinum's physical properties are phenomenal. To melt platinum, you need to place it where the temperature will reach 1769 degrees Celsius. And for metal to boil, you need 3800 degrees. It becomes clear that the element has low thermal conductivity.

Platinum nuggets have an external resemblance to silver. But the properties of silver are lower: it is lighter, susceptible to damage, and dissolves in nitric acid. Craftsmen, to create products similar to platinum, use alloys including iron, nickel, and chromium.

Here are more precise characteristics:

It is known that platinum does not occur completely without impurities. Therefore, it must be separated from other metals. Hydrochloric and nitric acid are useful for this. Many products can be made from the resulting metal:

• jewelry;
• ingots;
• anode electrodes;
• laboratory glassware;
• chemical equipment.

Pt is used in many fields. This could be the chemical and electronics industries, as well as medicine. For example, oil refining organizations use platinum catalysts.

It is used to make laboratory glassware. Improved sensors, thermometers - all this cannot exist without platinum. And in medicine, platinum has earned a special calling. It is used in medications aimed at combating cancer.

The main advantages of platinum:

• has plasticity and malleability;
• electrical conductivity;
• high melting point;
• surpasses gold and silver in several criteria (harder, heavier);
• does not oxidize, does not react with other substances.

A good way to invest is platinum coins. At the moment, coins made from this element are particularly valuable and unique. Their face value is 12 rubles. The real price is much higher. These are coins from 1832, they are very rare and have a lot of weight.

Investments in bullion are also attracted. You can buy them at the Bank of Russia. The front side reflects the markings:

• country of origin (“Russia” in the oval);
• weight;
• element name;
• weight fraction/metric sample;
• manufacturer's trademark.

Two technologies for applying inscriptions are used: convex and depressed.

Platinum has won the hearts of many women and men. The great Louis-François Cartier, founder of the famous Cartier company, contributed to the fact that many people saw the metal. It was he who argued that this element has no analogues and is very useful in jewelry, as it has many positive properties.

But Francois was not the only one who admired metal. Another of his fans was Carl Faberge. The master created original products. It is curious that Louis Francois Cartier adopted many of the ideas from Faberge. These include floral arrangements and animal motifs.

jewelry

The metal is distinguished by its extraordinary beauty, so making jewelry from it is especially profitable. They are expensive and require careful care. Platinum is highly durable, so fasteners made from it are practically invisible. You can conquer a girl with a platinum item.

Jewelry of 950 standard is made from “pure” metal, at least 95%. Maintenance does not take much time; you only need to clean the products once a week. There are many cleaning products available to clean metal. And if scratches appear, you should give the product to a craftsman so that he can bring it to a new look (polishing).

Platinum spark plugs for cars (Pt contacts) are popular. The metal is used as an electrical conductor. High heat resistance, corrosion resistance and durability are the main advantages of these candles.

This metal even appeared in the famous film Platinum Blonde. It was this film that brought him to the peak of popularity.

Many people liked the simple, easy plot, as did original jewelry. This film appeared in 1930 in America. Many years have passed, but since then the popularity of metal has only increased.

The magical properties of platinum lie in its healing effects. It is believed that due to its powerful energy, it has a beneficial effect on human health.

Preparations containing this metal are used in medicine, as its molecules are capable of many things. But not everyone can afford such drugs.

It becomes clear why Pt was able to win the love of people around the world. It's all about the specific characteristics. This metal can be used in production, or it can be used to decorate the hand of a beautiful girl. Investors also cannot resist platinum, because investing in it is the road to the future.