Iridium

Iridium

Symbol	Ir
Atomic Number	77
Atomic Mass	192.217
Discovered by	Ghiorso in 1952

Chemical Properties of Iridium

Table of Contents

• What is Iridium?
• Physical properties of Iridium
• Applications and effects of Iridium
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iridium?

• Iridium is a transition metal of the platinum family with the symbol Ir and atomic number 77 in the periodic table.
• Iridium is a hard, lustrous, brittle, dense transition metal of the platinum family.

Physical properties of Iridium

• It is silverish-white and it is known to be the most corrosion-resistant element known. It is unaffected by air, water, and acids.
• It is one of the lesser-known members of the platinum group, iridium possesses quite remarkable physical and chemical properties.
• It is not only the most corrosion-resistant of all metals, but it is insoluble in all mineral acids at high temperatures, also has a very high melting point and is the only metal that can maintain good mechanical properties in air temperatures above 1600 °C.
• It has a high modulus of rigidity and elasticity.

Applications and effects of Iridium

• Nowadays the automotive industry, chemical industry and electronic industry have the most demand for iridium, where it is used to coat the electrodes in the Chlor-alkali process, and in catalysts.
• Some applications are in pivot bearings and in scientific and other special equipment, but it is principally used in alloys: osmium/iridium alloys are used for tipping fountain pen nibs and for compass bearings.
• It is also known to be used in Space vehicles and Satellites.