Alphametals

Noble Alloys

A noble metal is ordinarily regarded as a metallic chemical element that is generally resistant to corrosion and is usually found in nature in its raw form. Gold, platinum, and the other platinum group metals (ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium) are most often so classified. Silver, copper and mercury are sometimes included as noble metals, however less often as each of these usually occurs in nature combined with sulfur.

PROPERTIES OF NOBLE ALLOYS

The following are the some of the properties of noble metals:

• Resist oxidation
• Resist corrosion
• High electrical conductivity
• Catalytic activity
• Electron affinity
• Siderophilic
• Native elements

USES OF NOBLE ALLOYS

Noble metals find use in coinage, jewelry, medicine, electronics, as protective coatings, and in chemistry as catalysts. Platinum, gold, silver, and palladium are bullion metals that are used in coins and jewelry. Noble metals are often plated over base metals to protect them and add value. Copper, gold, and silver are used in medicine as antimicrobial agents. Copper, gold, and silver are used in wires, contacts, and electrodes. Platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, and iridium are important catalysts. Ruthenium and iridium are hard metals that strengthen alloys and find use in small machine parts, pen nibs, and spark plugs.