Overview

Platinum is a transition metal in Group 10 (VIIIB) of the periodic table. The periodic table is a chart that shows how chemical elements are related to each other. Platinum is also a member of a group of metals named after itself. Other platinum metals include ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, and indium. They are found in Rows 5 and 6 of Groups 8 through 10 in the periodic table. Platinum is also considered to be a precious metal. A precious metal is one that is rare and desirable.

The platinum group metals are sometimes referred to as the noble metals. That term comes from the fact that they are all relatively inactive. They do not combine with or interact with most other elements or compounds. This chemical inactivity accounts for some of the uses of the platinum metals. For example, platinum is often used to make laboratory equipment...