Osmiridium
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Osmiridium, also called iridosmium, is a natural alloy of osmium and iridium, with traces of other platinum group metals, found naturally or man-made. Osmiridium contains about 50% iridium, while iridosmium contains about 70% iridium.[1]
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[edit] Occurrence
Osmiridium is very rare, but it can be found in mines of other platinum group metals. It can be isolated by adding a piece to aqua regia, which has the ability to dissolve gold and platinum but not osmiridium. It occurs naturally as small, extremely hard, flat metallic grains with hexagonal crystal structure.
[edit] Uses
Osmiridium is used in making fountain pen nibs, surgical equipment, and other high-wear functions.
[edit] References
- ^ Greenwood, N. N.; Earnshaw, A. (1997). Chemistry of the Elements, 2nd Edition, Oxford:Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN 0-7506-3365-4.
