Iridium: the strongest metal fascinating science and industry

Extremely rare, incredibly durable and rich in potential. Iridium is one of the most fascinating metals on the chemical and industrial scene, precious not only for its physical qualities, but also for the strategic uses it offers. In this article we discover what it is, how it is extracted and why today iridium is considered a material with very high added value.

What is iridium?

Iridium (chemical symbol Ir) is a noble transition metal belonging to the platinum group (PGM). It occurs in nature with a silvery-white colour, is extremely hard, dense, stable and resistant to corrosion, so much so that it is considered the most resistant metal to chemical agents among all the known elements.

Among its peculiarities, the following stand out:

? Exceptionalresistance to salts, acids, oxides and even aqua regia.

? Highstability in high temperature or highly reactive environments.

? Extraordinaryrigidity, thanks to the second highest modulus of elasticity among all metals.

The name stems from the Latin iridium, based on the Greek word iris (rainbow), in reference to the vivid colours of its salts.

How iridium is extracted

Iridium is not found in pure form in nature, but is obtained as a by-product of the extraction of nickel and of the other metals of the platinum group.

The separation and refining process takes place in several stages:

? Initialextraction of the main metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium).

? Gradualremoval of other PGMs by melting with bisulphate and sodium peroxide.

? Obtaining of iridium dioxide, which is then purified by dissolving it in aqua regia.

? Final hydrogen reduction results in pure iridium.

The annual world production of iridium is between 3 and 4 tons, coming largely from South Africa (as a primary mineral) and partly from the recycling of crucibles and spent catalysts. Other significant fields are in Russia and Canada.

What is iridium for?

Despite its workability being limited by hardness and brittleness, iridium is highly valued in high-tech applications and extreme environments. Its most relevant uses include:

? High-temperaturealloys, used in aerospace and industrial sectors.

? Precision electricalcontacts, for example spark plugs.

? Luxury fountainpens, thanks to osmium alloys.

? Industrialcatalysis: especially for the production of acetic acid.

? High strength dentalprostheses and biomedical materials.

? White-lightOLED, for advanced lighting technologies.

Banco Villa: expertise, rarity and excellent metals

In the world of noble metals, iridium represents an excellence reserved for those seeking extreme performance and lasting value. If you want to learn more about its applications or are looking for a reliable supplier for specific quantities of iridium, our team is at your complete disposal.

Contact us: we will be happy to support you with our expertise and tailor-made solutions.