Chapter 1 - Introduction

Abstract

The Platinum Group of Elements (platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, ruthenium, and rhodium) are rare, extremely scanty, noble, and precious transition metals that naturally coexist with nickel, chromium, copper, cobalt, gold, and silver. The metals occur by a unique mineralizing process, are spread closely in the Periodic Table, and are classified within the siderophile and chalcophile groups. The physical and chemical properties of these metals and their distinguished ore-forming minerals are described. The physical properties include name, crystal system, color as it appears to the naked eye, streak color resulting from rubbing on a streak plate, luster, hardness on the Mohs scale, and average specific gravity. Their chemical properties comprise formula and the proportion of elements in their purest forms. The information base extends with short descriptions of mode of occurrence and major uses of the metals and associated minerals. This has briefly been tabulated for ready reference. The global distribution of these metals is marked on a composite plan of six continents: Africa, South America, North America (including Canada and Mexico), Asia, Australia, and Europe. The demand, supply, and price trend is briefly analyzed. Substitutes and recycling anticipate optimizing the resources. The major uses of these metals are discussed with a special highlight on platinum as the catalytic converter of automobile emission control devices to minimize toxic pollutants. The resource creation for these rare and precious metals is significant for this group of metals in future.