Platinum is a beautiful silvery-white metal, when pure, and is malleable and ductile. The metal does not oxide in air. Because it is generally pure 95% pure (18 karat gold is 75% pure), platinum jewelry does not fade or tarnish and keeps its looks for a lifetime.
Scarce
Platinum is 35 times rarer than gold. It is estimated that if all the platinum in the world were poured into one Olympic swimming pool it would be scarcely deep enough to cover your ankles.
Durable
Platinum's density and weight make it more durable than any other jewelry metal.
Pliable
Platinum is so pliable that just one gram of the metal can be drawn to produce a fine wire over one mile long.
Availability
Platinum is available in many forms including foil, sheet, wire, insulated wire, gauze, powder, sponge and metal. See various forms of platinum.
Country | Purity Level | Hallmark |
---|---|---|
China |
900 950 |
Pt |
Germany |
950 999 |
Pt950 Pt999 |
India |
950 | Pt950 |
Italy |
950 | Pt950 |
Japan |
850 900 950 999 1000 |
Pt850 Pt900 Pt950 Pt999 Pt1000 |
US |
850 900 950 |
Platinum Pt Plat |