Platinum (7440-06-4) Manufacturers online

Platinum (Pt) is a silvery-white, very rare and valuable precious metal that is mainly used in industry, e.g. for catalysts, in medicine and for high-quality jewelry.

It is extremely corrosion-resistant, heat-resistant and easy to shape. Platinum is one of the rarest and most valuable precious metals in the world and has both industrial and symbolic significance.

Below you will find an overview of the physical properties, extraction and main producing countries of platinum, as well as an overview of its use and symbolic significance:

Physical properties of platinum:

1. Element symbol: Pt
2. Atomic number: 78
3. Density: 21.45 g/cm³ (heavier than gold)
4. Melting point: 1,768 °C
5. Boiling point: 3,825 °C
6. Color: Silver-white, metallic luster
7. Hardness (Mohs): 3.5-4
8. Malleability: Malleable, but stronger than gold
9. Conductivity: Good electrical conductivity, excellent catalytic properties.
10. Corrosion resistance: Extremely high - hardly reacts with air, acids or moisture.

Platinum belongs to the so-called platinum group (PGMs) with other precious metals such as rhodium, palladium and iridium.

Extraction of platinum:

Platinum was already known to the indigenous peoples of South America before the arrival of the Europeans.
It was not known and used in Europe until the 18th century.

Primary deposits: In igneous rocks, often together with nickel, chromium, copper.

Secondary deposits: Platinum placers - deposits in rivers caused by weathering.

Main platinum-producing countries (as of approx. 2024):

1. South Africa: Over 70 % of the world's platinum.
2. Russia: approx. 12-15 %
3. Zimbabwe: Important growing producer.
4. Canada & USA: Smaller production volumes
5. Platinum is rarer than gold - around 20 times more gold than platinum is mined per year

Use of platinum:

1. Industry and technology (over 50% of use):
Catalytic converters: In vehicles for exhaust gas purification (especially diesel).
Chemical industry: Catalyst for ammonia and nitric acid production.
Electronics & sensor technology: Precision resistors, thermocouples, contact material.
Glass production: Platinum nozzles and crucibles for special glass production.

2. Medicine:
Dentistry: In high-quality dental alloys.
Implants / pacemakers: Biocompatible and durable.
Cancer therapy: Active ingredients such as cisplatin in chemotherapy.

3. Jewelry industry (approx. 30 %):
Scratch-resistant, tarnish-resistant - ideal for wedding rings.
Hypoallergenic: Ideal jewelry metal for allergy sufferers.
Exclusivity: More expensive than gold - a symbol of luxury and durability.

4. Finance & investment:
Platinum bars & coins: Form of investment, but less common than gold.
ETFs & commodity certificates: Can be traded on the stock exchange.
Store of value: Useful as diversification - price strongly dependent on industry demand.

Symbolic significance of platinum:

Awards: Platinum "record" as a higher level than gold.
Prestige objects: Platinum watches, luxury cars with platinum plating.
Status symbol: Exclusive, rarer than gold - often perceived as "even more precious".

Platinum is mainly used in industry (e.g. for catalytic converters), in medicine and for high-quality jewelry. It is mainly found in South Africa and is considered particularly exclusive due to its rarity. For a long time, platinum was difficult to process due to its high melting temperature.

Here you will find the most important aspects to look out for when buying platinum.

Platinum differs from gold in many respects, particularly due to its greater industrial demand and price fluctuations.

• When buying platinum, pay attention to the fineness, the certified origin and the form in which you buy the metal.
• Fineness: Usually 999.5 (99.95 % pure) for investment platinum.
• Certified origin: Proof of origin, e.g. LBMA or LPPM certificate.
• Forms: Bars, coins e.g. American Platinum Eagle, granules (industrial).
• In the case of investment metals, you should pay attention to the minting, the serial number and a certificate of authenticity.
• Only buy from trustworthy dealers / suppliers. Please note:
• Approval / certificates: Membership of LPPM (London Platinum and Palladium Market.
• If possible, only buy from well-known, licensed precious metal dealers - platinum is rarer and is therefore often counterfeited or falsely declared.
• What about pricing and fees? Please note the following points:
• Spot price: Platinum is traded on international commodity exchanges (price per ounce).
• Premium: Dealer markups can be higher than for gold - depending on the form, denomination and manufacturer.
• Market volatility: The price fluctuates more than that of gold, as it is heavily dependent on industrial demand.
• Large bars, e.g. 100 g, 1 oz, 1 kg, generally have a lower premium per gram.generally have a lower premium per gram than small denominations.
• Before buying, also clarify the aspects of storage and security.
• Home storage: No storage fees, but higher security risk.
• Safe deposit box: Safe, but possibly not insured and possibly inaccessible in the event of a crisis.
• Specialized high-security storage: Best option for large amounts - often insured and can be anonymized.
• Duty-free warehouse (e.g. Switzerland, Singapore): VAT-free on storage - ideal for large investors.
• Industrial customers often buy platinum in the form of granules or sponges and require separate security and logistics solutions.
• Please note the following legal and tax aspects:
• Value added tax (Germany): Platinum is not tax exempt - 19% VAT on purchase (except in bonded warehouse).
• Capital gains: Tax-free for private individuals after a holding period of 12 months (speculation period).
• Reporting obligations: From certain thresholds (cash purchases > € 2,000): Obligation to declare (Money Laundering Act).
• Import and export: Platinum is often subject to export/customs regulations - declaration obligation when crossing borders with large sums.

Buying platinum requires a thorough analysis of the market, the selection of reputable dealers and secure storage strategies. Sound knowledge of prices, quality and tax aspects is essential in order to minimize risks and secure long-term benefits.

Platinum can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information on platinum suppliers from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.