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Platinum group facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Platinum group metals (PGMs) in the periodic table
H   He
Li Be   B C N O F Ne
Na Mg   Al Si P S Cl Ar
K Ca Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn Ga Ge As Se Br Kr
Rb Sr Y Zr Nb Mo Tc Ru Rh Pd Ag Cd In Sn Sb Te I Xe
Cs Ba La * Hf Ta W Re Os Ir Pt Au Hg Tl Pb Bi Po At Rn
Fr Ra Ac ** Rf Db Sg Bh Hs Mt Ds Rg Cn Nh Fl Mc Lv Ts Og
* Ce Pr Nd Pm Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu
** Th Pa U Np Pu Am Cm Bk Cf Es Fm Md No Lr
      Platinum group metals
      Other noble metals

The platinum-group metals (abbreviated as the PGMs; alternatively, the platinoids, platinides, platidises, platinum group, platinum metals, platinum family or platinum-group elements (PGEs)) are six noble, precious metallic elements clustered together in the periodic table. These elements are all transition metals in the d-block (groups 8, 9, and 10, periods 5 and 6).

The six platinum-group metals are ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum. They have similar physical and chemical properties, and tend to occur together in the same mineral deposits. However they can be further subdivided into the iridium-group platinum-group elements (IPGEs: Os, Ir, Ru) and the palladium-group platinum-group elements (PPGEs: Rh, Pt, Pd) based on their behaviour in geological systems.

The three elements above the platinum group in the periodic table (iron, nickel and cobalt) are all ferromagnetic, these being the only known transition metals with this property.

With the platinum group metals having many desirable properties, they have a wide application of uses. This leads to an increased demand for these metals as well as an increase in their production for use.

The increase in platinum group use as well as production activity could cause environmental and human health risks not previously considered where more research is needed to determine the risks associated with platinum group metal use and production.

Images for kids

  • National prototype kilogram K20 replica

    Replica of the NIST national prototype kilogram standard, made in 90% platinum - 10% iridium alloy

  • PtMetalExtraction II

    Process flow diagram for the separation of the platinum group metals.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Grupo del platino para niños

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