Iridium
i-RID-i-em
Iridium (Ir) is a heavy white metal that has the atomic number 77 in the periodic table. It is a Transition metal in Group 9. It has the symbol Ir.
Iridium was discovered in 1803 by Smithson Tennant in London when he used platinum ores and washed them with hydrochloric and nitric acid. Iridium is named after the Latin word ‘iris’ meaning colourful as its salts are highly coloured. It is hypothesised that the comet that struck the earth killing the dinosaurs was made of Iridium due to the rich Iridium layer located at the site of many impact sites. Iridium’s main use is in the hardening of platinum alloys and also making crucibles for heating due to its high melting point. It is a solid metal at room temperature with a melting point of 2466°c and a boiling point of 4130°c.
FAQ's
S.Tenant, A.F.Fourcory, L.N.Vauquelin, H.V.Collet-Descoltils
1804
Uses
Used with osmium to tip gold pen points, to make crucible and special containers. Also to make alloys used for standard weights and measures, and heat-resistant alloys. Also as hardening agent for platinum.
Sources
Found in gravel deposits with platinum.
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
Ir
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