The heaviest metal in the world is what is known about it?

In order to determine which is the heaviest metal in the world, you need to consider two main contenders for this title, namely osmium and iridium. The two densest elements of the periodic table occupy, respectively, the places under the numbers 76 and 77. The density of these metals is, based on their properties, 22.6 grams per cubic centimeter.

To understand what the heaviest metal is, you can compare an ordinary stopper with a stopper made from any applicant for the title "The heaviest metal in the world". So, to bring the balance into balance, you need a little more than a hundred ordinary plugs, while they will have to balance just one made of osmium or iridium.

Both metals were discovered in the early 19th century. Their discovery is attributed to the scientist S. Tennant, who in 1804 carried out an analysis of the precipitation obtained by treating platinum nuggets with "royal vodka" (one part of nitric and three parts of hydrochloric acid). In the sediment under study, he also identified two chemical elements, which he appropriated for osmium and iridium. Iridium derives its name from the Greek word for rainbow. This is due to the fact that the salts of this element change color depending on the conditions.

The research was continued by the Russian chemist K. Klaus, who, beginning in 1841, received funding for research into the remnants of the processing of native platinum in order to obtain additional portions of this precious metal. The goal was never achieved, but in the process of working, the scientist decided to conduct a thorough study of the residual elements.

The reason why it is difficult to determine what is the heaviest metal of these two elements is that the difference in density is one-hundredth of a gram. The situation is aggravated by the fact that there are no native elements in nature.

They extract the heaviest metal from nuggets, which are a combination of ruthenium, osmium, platinum, palladium and iridium itself. The resulting element is a powdery substance that can be forged at very high temperatures. At the same time, iridium is the so-called "platinum metal", which determines some of its properties, among which full immunity to acids to their mixtures. For example, interaction with "royal vodka" does not lead to any consequences. Iridium dissolves only in some alkaline mixtures, for example, in potassium disulphate.

Why use the heaviest metal? It makes crucibles that are ideally suited for laboratory work, as well as a special kind of mouthpiece that is used to make refractory glass. It can also be found in expensive fountain pens and in the pins of ballpoint pens. In addition, due to lower costs, iridium has been used in the automotive industry, where it is widely used in the manufacture of spark plugs. It should be noted that the candles received are of high cost, but their manufacture justifies themselves, as a result of which they receive very durable and reliable components.

Modern prices for this most heavy metal are 35 US dollars per gram of iridium.