Iridium (Ir) is a dense, silvery-white metal with the atomic number 77. It is one of the rarest elements on Earth, found primarily in deposits of platinum-group metals.
Sources of Iridium: Iridium is found in small amounts in many areas of the world, including Russia, South Africa, and the United States. It is often recovered as a byproduct of platinum and nickel mining.
Uses and production of Iridium:
- Iridium has several important uses, including:
- In electrical contacts, due to its high electrical conductivity and high melting point.
- In the manufacturing of pen tips, as a substitute for osmium, due to its similar properties.
- In the production of alloys with other metals, such as platinum, for use in high-temperature and corrosive environments.
The production of iridium typically involves the separation of the metal from its ores, using a combination of physical and chemical methods. The first step involves the crushing and grinding of the ore to a fine powder. This is followed by a series of chemical and physical processes, such as flotation, magnetic separation, and leaching, to separate iridium from other elements in the ore. The final step involves purifying the metal to a high degree of purity for use in various applications.
Chemical properties of Iridium:
- Iridium is a reactive metal and readily reacts with air, water, and most acids to form iridium compounds.
- Iridium forms a protective oxide layer on its surface that makes it resistant to corrosion.
Physical properties of Iridium:
- Iridium is a dense, silvery-white metal with a high melting point (2450°C) and boiling point (4527°C).
- It has a density of 22.56 g/cm^3, making it one of the densest of the transition metals.
- Iridium is a hard, brittle metal that is difficult to cut.
Extraction of Iridium: The extraction of iridium from its ores is a complex process that involves a combination of physical and chemical methods. The first step involves the crushing and grinding of the ore to a fine powder. This is followed by a series of chemical and physical processes, such as flotation, magnetic separation, and leaching, to separate iridium from other elements in the ore. The final step involves purifying the metal to a high degree of purity for use in various applications.