In order to determine which is the heaviest metal in the world, you need to consider two main applicants for this title, namely osmium and iridium. The two most dense elements of the periodic table occupy the numbers 76 and 77, respectively. The density of these metals is, based on their properties, 22.6 grams per cubic centimeter.
To understand what constitutes the heaviest metal, you can compare an ordinary cork with a cork made from any applicant for the title "The heaviest metal in the world." So, to bring the balance into balance, you will need a little more than a hundred ordinary plugs, while they will have to balance only one, made of osmium or iridium.
Both metals were discovered at the beginning of the 19th century. Their discovery is attributed to the scientist S. Tennant, who in 1804 analyzed the precipitation obtained as a result of processing platinum nuggets with “royal vodka” (one part of nitric and three parts of hydrochloric acid). In the sediment under study, he identified two chemical elements, which he assigned the names of osmium and iridium. Iridium got 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, starting in 1841, received funding to conduct research on the processing residues of native platinum in order to obtain additional portions of this precious metal. The goal was never achieved, but in the process, the scientist decided to conduct a thorough study of the residual elements.
The reason it is difficult to determine which is the heaviest metal of the two elements is because the density difference 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, including complete immunity to acids of their mixtures. For example, interaction with “royal vodka” does not lead to any consequences. Iridium is soluble only in some alkaline mixtures, for example, in potassium disulfate.
Why use the heaviest metal? Crucibles are made from it, which are ideal for working in laboratory conditions, as well as a special type of mouthpiece, which is used to produce refractory glass. It can also be found in expensive fountain pens and ballpoint pens. In addition, in connection with the reduction in cost, iridium began to be used in the automotive industry, where it is widely used in the manufacture of spark plugs. It should be noted that the candles obtained are of high cost, but their manufacture is justified, since the result is very durable and reliable components.
Current prices for this heaviest metal are $ 35 per gram of iridium.