The history of platinum

China's platinum group element mineral resources are few, and its reserves are less than 1% of the world's reserves, so it basically depends on imports. Although platinum mines have been discovered and mined in more than 60 countries, their reserves are highly concentrated in South Africa and the former Soviet Union. The total reserves of the two account for 98% of the world's total reserves. Every year the world platinum China has few mineral resources of platinum group elements, and its reserves are less than 1% of the world's reserves, so it basically depends on imports. Although platinum mines have been discovered and mined in more than 60 countries, their reserves are highly concentrated in South Africa and the former Soviet Union. The total reserves of the two account for 98% of the world's total reserves. The annual output of platinum in the world is only 85 tons per year, which is far less than that of gold. In addition, platinum has a high melting point. It is more difficult to purify and smelt platinum than gold, and consumes more energy. Therefore, its price is more expensive than gold. It takes 5 months to extract platinum ore. In the mineral classification, the platinum group element minerals belong to the natural platinum subgroup, including natural element minerals of iridium, rhodium, palladium and platinum. There is a widespread phenomenon of isomorphic replacement between them, thus forming a series of isomorphic mixed crystals. At the same time, its composition often contains similar substances such as iron, copper, nickel, and silver. When their content is high, they constitute the corresponding species. Metals smelted from platinum group element minerals include palladium, rhodium, iridium, platinum and so on. All precious metals leave scratches, and platinum is no exception. However, scratches on platinum only move the metal and will not reduce its volume, while scratches on gold will cause wear and reduce the volume of gold. If there are visible scratches on the platinum, a qualified jeweler can re-sand it without loss. According to archaeological data, the ancient Egyptians were able to process platinum into platinum jewelry with a high level of craftsmanship in more than 700 BC. The Indians of Central America, long before Columbus discovered the New World, also popularized platinum ornaments. In 1748, the famous Spanish scientist Anthony Loa discovered silver-white natural platinum in the Pinto River gold mine. He conducted a careful study and found that natural platinum has very stable chemical properties, excellent ductility, and high melting point. The density is extremely large, which is obviously different from metallic silver. Anthony was the first scholar to conduct a detailed study of platinum. In 1780, a skilled craftsman in Paris made platinum rings, brooches and platinum necklaces for the King and Queen of Louis XVI of France. Therefore, the Louis XVI couple became the first people in the world to have platinum jewelry. Since then, platinum's reputation has greatly improved, and it has jumped above gold jewelry, and has been favored by royal relatives, dignitaries, and wealthy merchants. Previous: Basic knowledge of palladium Next: Difference between platinum and similar metals