04-05-2006, 09:53 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 98
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Quote:
Platinum is a naturally occurring precious metal that is 35 times more rare than gold. Some of its more notable qualities are purity (generally platinum is 95 percent pure, while 18 karat gold is only 75 percent pure), strength, density and pliability.
Jewelry
While we most commonly think of platinum in the context of jewelry - watches, wedding bands and pendants - it is also widely employed in a number of other applications. It lends itself to jewelry production because of its strength and resistance to tarnish as well as the fact that pieces made of platinum retain their shape. Manufacturers thereby have more freedom of creativity in platinum jewelry design than they do with many other metals that might bend when subjected to heat or shaping.
Other Uses
Platinum is used in our cars' catalytic converters, which help control vehicle exhaust and protect the environment. The medical field has also greatly benefited from platinum's unique properties. Because it is not affected by the oxidizing reaction of blood, platinum has excellent conductivity and is compatible with living tissue. Therefore, it has been widely used for pacemakers. Additionally, it has the ability to prevent the division of certain living cells, a remarkable characteristic which has meant application in cancer-treatments. Platinum's distinctive qualities related to medicine were only discovered in 1962, and researchers have capitalized on these findings in their treatment of ovarian, head, neck and testicular cancers.
Like gold, platinum and its alloys are used for dental restoration. Procedures such as inlays, crowns and bridges all rely on platinum. Platinum is also used in electronics and glassmaking equipment. Indeed, its possible uses seem endless.
History
The history of platinum is quite interesting. Its existence has been recorded for thousands of years. It was found on an Egyptian casket from the 7th century BC, and later, pre-Incan civilizations and Spanish conquistadors recognized its desirable qualities. Platinum's modern history began with European court jewelers in the 18th century, and its use flourished with Art Deco designers such as Cartier and Tiffany. Use of platinum in jewelry and ornamental applications declined somewhat with the Great Depression of the 1930's and the onset of World War II, when the precious metal became a controlled substance. A resurgence in demand came about in Japan in the 1960's. Platinum has remained widely popular in Asia, Europe, and the United States ever since.
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*ttp://www.emeralds.aboutgems.org/Platinum.php :cool:
Last edited by Schting : 07-18-2006 at 10:09 AM.
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