Precious Metals Manufacturers online

Precious metals are metals that have a high chemical resistance and hardly react with their environment under normal conditions.

These include in particular gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt) and the platinum group metals (palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, osmium).

Below you will find an overview of the properties of some precious metals, their special characteristics and their use, as well as an overview of their origin and extraction:

Properties of the most important precious metals:

1. Gold (Au): Very high chemical resistance. Yellow color. Density 19.32 g/cm³. Melting point 1,064 °C. Very high electrical conductivity.
2. Silver (Ag): High chemical resistance. White color. Density 10.49 g/cm³. Melting point 961 °C. The highest electrical conductivity of all metals.
3. Platinum (Pt): Very high chemical resistance. White color. Density 21.45 g/cm³. Melting point 1,768 °C. High electrical conductivity.
4. Palladium (Pd): High chemical resistance. White color. Density 12.02 g/cm³. Melting point 1,554 °C. Average electrical conductivity.
5. Rhodium (Rh): Very high chemical resistance. White color. Density 12.41 g/cm³. Melting point 1,964 °C. High electrical conductivity.

Special properties of precious metals:

1. High corrosion resistance.
2. High density.
3. Good electrical conductor, especially silver.
4. Soft (gold), hard (platinum).
5. Non-magnetic.

Use of precious metals:

1. Jewelry and luxury goods:
Gold, silver, platinum for rings, chains and watches.
Rhodium for white gold plating.

2. Industry and technology:
Electronics: gold and silver on circuit boards and as contact material.
Automotive industry: platinum and palladium in catalytic converters
Medical technology: platinum in pacemakers, silver as an antibacterial coating.

3. Finance and as an investment:
Gold & silver as currency reserves.
Bars & coins as investment objects

4. Chemistry and pharmacy:
Platinum as a catalyst in chemical processes.
Silver in antiseptic agents.

Origin and extraction of precious metals:

Precious metals usually occur in nature in solid form (elemental) or as ore compounds.

Significant deposits of precious metals are found in:

• South Africa (platinum, gold)
• Russia (palladium, platinum)
• Canada & USA (gold, silver)
• Australia (gold)
• Peru & Mexico (silver)

Extraction of precious metals:

• Gold & silver: Through mining & recycling, e.g. from electronic waste.
• Platinum metals: Through nickel & copper mining as a by-product.
• Purification: Electrolytic refining, amalgamation for gold.

Precious metals are indispensable in many areas due to their exceptional properties. While gold and silver are traditionally used for jewelry and as an investment, platinum metals play a key role in industry and technology. Due to limited deposits and high demand, their importance will remain high in the future.

Here you will find the most important aspects to consider when buying precious metals.

Purchasing precious metals requires comprehensive market knowledge, strategic planning and consideration of numerous factors in order to minimize risks and maximize returns.

• The choice of precious metal depends on the intended use:
• Gold (Au): Primarily for investment, jewelry and electronics.
• Silver (Ag): Industrial, medical, jewelry, investment.
• Platinum (Pt) & Palladium (Pd): Catalysts, jewelry, technology.
• Rhodium (Rh), Iridium (Ir), Ruthenium (Ru): Special applications in high-tech industries.
• Precious metal prices are volatile and are traded on exchanges such as the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) or COMEX.
• Factors that influence the price are: Supply & demand, inflation & interest rate policy, geopolitical crises, technological developments (e.g. electric vehicles → increasing demand for palladium)
• Use price charts and economic indicators to determine the best time to buy.
• Pay attention to current market trends and future demand forecasts.
• Suppliers and sources of supply for precious metals are:
• Banks & precious metal dealers: reputable sources of supply with proven quality.
• Refineries & mining companies: Direct purchase usually only for large customers.
• Secondary market & recycling: Reprocessing from old gold and electronic scrap.
• Check that the supplier is reputable based on certifications such as the LBMA standard or ISO standards.
• Pay attention to quality when buying and ask for certificates.
• The purity of precious metals should be tested and certified.
• Gold: 999.9 (24 carat) or 916 (22 carat).
• Silver: 999 for fine silver or 925 for sterling silver.
• Platinum/palladium: At least 950 purity.
• Only buy certified bars and coins - counterfeit precious metals are a problem in the market.
• Purchase options: Bars or coins. Bars are more efficient for larger investments, coins offer more flexibility for smaller amounts.
• Precious metals should never be stored unsecured - take insurance cover into account!
• Also consider the tax and legal aspects.
• Gold bars and gold coins are usually tax-free. Silver, platinum and palladium are subject to regular VAT, e.g. 19% in Germany.
• When buying and selling, you should check the tax regulations in the respective country in advance.

The purchase of precious metals requires a thorough analysis of the market, the selection of reputable dealers and safe storage strategies. A sound knowledge of prices, quality and tax aspects can minimize risks and secure long-term benefits.

Precious metals can be purchased from various providers. Comprehensive information on suppliers of precious metals from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.