Platinum Facts

Platinum wasn't officially 'discovered' as an element until the mid-18th century, but it was in use as a metal by the pre-Columbian Indians. Because of its silvery-white color, malleability, and resistance to corrosion in air, platinum is a popular metal for jewelry. However, it has many other uses. For instance, platinum is an important substrate for many chemical reactions because of its ability to absorb hydrogen at normal temperatures and release it at red heat.