Iridium was discovered by Smithson Tennant in 1803 and named after the Greek goddess Iris due to the brilliant colors of its salts. A member of the platinum group metals, iridium is the most corrosion resistant metal, is the second most dense and has the second highest modulus of elasticity (edged out only by osmium in both of these properties) as well as an exceedingly high melting point. It is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust with an estimated concentration of 0.001 parts per million (gold is about 40 times more abundant). It is estimated that 3 to 4 tonnes of iridium is produced worldwide annually (compared with over 3000 tonnes of gold). It is used in the electronics, aerospace, shipping, and chemical industries.
Inscribed on our iridium pellets are the chemical symbol (Ir), purity (99.9%), weight (one troy ounce), and a serial number (this number is unique and will vary). On the reverse is our logo. Unlike our standard Platinum Group Metal and other refractory metal ingots, these were fully melted in an arc furnace and they therefore approach iridium's theoretical density of 22.562 g/cm3. As always we had this batch tested by a 3rd party laboratory and they are at least 99.9% pure and their density is between 22.4 and 22.5 g/cm3. Therefore they are incredibly heavy for their size (about twice the weight of the same quantity of lead) and only a fully melted pellet of osmium in this size might weigh more (although the difference would be nearly imperceptible). Of course these iridium pellets don't have the characteristic blueish hue of osmium, so they are perfectly unique and could not be counterfeited using any other metal in the universe (i.e. substituting a tungsten, rhenium, platinum, or even a plutonium core). Nothing of this size and color could weigh this much!
Due to the extremely violent conditions in the arc furnace that produced these pellets there can be tiny surface imperfections which do not detract from the inherent value of this exceptionally rare precious metal. As always, weight and purity are guaranteed by Rare World Metals Mint. Iridium is not known to be toxic and the solid form we supply is considered safe. Its fine turnings or powder form could ignite in air and can be an irritant to eyes and mucous membranes. As we suggest with all of our metals please keep them intact, in a safe place, do not ingest, and keep out of the reach of children.
Each iridium pellet will be shipped with our velvet logo bag for storage. If you are not completely satisfied with any purchase from us, you have 30 days to return it for a full refund (buyer to pay return shipping). Domestic shipping is free for all orders over $199 (enter code free shipping at checkout). Unfortunately we will not ship this product internationally.
If you happened to read our blog on iridium and meteorites, you've seen the following. If not please check it out:
