A Comprehensive Answer To The Question: What Are Precious Metals
Tuesday, August 9th, 2011Some people might ask: what are precious metals? To these people the easy answer could be: metals that have a high economic worth and are rarely found in nature. These elements are conventionally seen as symbols of wealth and status. The scarcity of these minerals is one of the most important reasons that they are considered valuable. In addition, there are other factors held in common that add to their worth.
All of these metals are extremely resistant to corrosion and are less chemically reactive than other minerals. Also, these elements are very soft and shiny, which make them excellent resources for the jewelry making industry. Finally, this category of metals all maintains a high melting point, which sets them apart from other metallic groupings.
Although gold and silver have traditionally been identified by people as precious, many other elements fall under this title as well. These include the members of the Platinum Group, which are: rhodium, osmium, iridium, ruthenium, palladium, and of course, platinum. Found in the same section of the periodic table, these elements also occur together in the same mineral deposits.
Coveted for its shiny yellow colour and ability to withstand oxidization, gold has had a consistent role throughout human history. The Mali Empire, Greeks, Egyptians, and Aztecs are but a few of the ancient civilizations that valued gold and used it as a sign of affluence. It was commonly used for jewelry, coinage, and decorations.
Silver has an equally extensive history of use. It is a brilliant white metal that becomes very lustrous with polishing. In addition to its applications in jewelry and coinage, silver has traditionally been seen as a purifying element. Ancient peoples used silver to prevent infection, disinfect water and foods, and to dress burns and wounds. Modern science has found silver to have antimicrobial properties, proving those ancients wise beyond their times.
Although gold and silver have always been the favourites when it comes to precious metals, platinum has recently become much more popular, resulting in an increase in its monetary worth. It has been discovered that platinum is actually one of the rarest naturally occurring substances on earth. Like its shiny cousins, platinum is also used in jewelry making and is now especially sought after in the creation of wedding bands and fashionable watches. It also has uses in the medical fields and vehicular industries.
Like the other elements previously mentioned, the remaining members of the Platinum Group also have their uses in the manufacture of fine jewelry. Like platinum, they have a silvery-white colour and are very malleable. In addition, these substances are perfect for use by the science and technology sectors, as they have strong catalytic properties. These metals can be found in many different industries and products such as data storage, photography, surgical implants, and solar energy conversion.
While these metals can all be used for a variety of purposes, they all have features in common which make them ideal for jewelry. They are all shiny, soft minerals that can be polished to a high gloss. They can withstand heat and are minimally chemically reactive. Due to their scarcity in nature, precious metals are considered good investments and economically valuable.
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