Platinum

Platinum is the most valued precious metal; its value exceeds even that of Gold. It has a beautiful silver-white color, and, unlike Silver, does not tarnish. It is unaffected by common household chemicals and will not get damaged or discolored by chlorine, bleach, or detergents. It is tougher than all precious jewelry metals, though due to its flexible tenacity it still must be alloyed with other metals to prevent it from bending. Natural Platinum usually contains small amounts of the rare element iridium. In jewelry, iridium is alloyed with the Platinum to increase its toughness. Platinum jewelry is usually 90 to 95 percent pure.

Chemical Formula	Pt
Color	Metallic, White
Hardness	4Â -Â 4.5
Crystal System	Isometric
SG	14Â -Â 19
Transparency	Opaque
Double Refraction	None
Luster	Metallic
Cleavage	None
Mineral Class	Platinum