What is iridium most commonly used for?

The main use of iridium is as a hardening agent for platinum alloys. With osmium, it forms an alloy that is used for tipping pens, and compass bearings. Iridium is used in making crucibles and other equipment that is used at high temperatures.

What are three interesting facts about iridium?

Iridium is the most corrosion-resistant element on the Periodic Table of Elements. It also has the highest density of all the elements. Because it resists corrosion, it is used to set standards in weights and measures.

Is iridium harmful to humans?

Health effects of iridium Highly flammable. Potential health effects: Eye: may cause eye irritation. Skin: low hazard for usual industrial handling. Ingestion: may cause irritation of the digestive tract.

Why are heavy metals like iridium so rare in Earth’s crust?

7. Why are heavy metals like iridium so rare in Earth’s crust? Earth’s crust is depleted in iridium and other heavy metals because during the formation of the planet these materials sank into Earth’s core due to their higher density. 8.

Where is iridium naturally found?

Iridium-containing ores are found in South Africa and Alaska, U.S., as well as in Myanmar (Burma), Brazil, Russia, and Australia. In the late 20th century South Africa was the world’s major producer of iridium.

Is iridium a heavy metal?

Osmium and iridium are the most dense metals. With a density of 22.6 g/cm3 and 22.4 g/cm3 respectively, osmium and iridium are about twice as dense as lead, which has a density of 11.3 g/cm3. Osmium and iridium were both discovered by English chemist Smithson Tennant in 1803.

Does iridium occur naturally on Earth?

Natural abundance Iridium is one of the rarest elements on Earth. It is found uncombined in nature in sediments that were deposited by rivers. It is commercially recovered as a by-product of nickel refining. A very thin layer of iridium exists in the Earth’s crust.