For some reason, recently, a stereotype has been circulating among the population that the most expensive metals in the world are those from which jewelry is made. However, how much truth is there in this statement? Are metals in the world more expensive than gold and platinum? The answer is unequivocal: yes. Many of them are not used in jewelry, so their importance and high cost are not known to most people. Nevertheless, they are successfully used in electronics, engineering and even medicine. The exchange rate of precious metals changes daily, as does the currency, so it is expected that some people invest in them and store their funds in the form of ingots or other products. Given that the resources of our planet are not infinite, such a step is far-sighted and profitable. So what metals can be considered the most expensive in the world?
Silver
According to the latest data, the price per gram of silver is $ 0.53. This metal can be considered the most budgetary of the precious. The wide distribution of silver is due to the fact that in ancient times it was possible to find many of its deposits in its pure form. That is, the extraction of this metal was not associated with smelting from ores, which means it was as light and inexpensive as possible. And although a lot of time has passed, silver does not lose its usefulness to humanity. In its pure form, it is used as a conductor (of all metals, it best passes electric current and heat). The scope of silver is simply colossal: medicine, the military industry, electronics, jewelry, engineering. In this regard, the reserves of this metal are being scooped up at a tremendous speed.
Often silver is compared to gold. And, despite the lower price, the first metal wins in terms of breadth of application and the physical properties by which it is due.
To reduce the price of silver jewelry and increase the practicality of such jewelry, they are made of alloys. Each of them has its own sample, depending on the percentage of the metal itself, and its purpose.
- The 999th and 1000th samples are especially popular among residents of Japan. They believe in the mystical properties of such a metal and the highest mercy that its owner will receive.
- The 960th test is used in the jewelry industry. However, such products cannot be considered practical or durable, they are quickly overwritten, lose their luster or even change their shape.
- 925 sterling silver is also called sterling. Outwardly, it looks like metal in its pure form, but it is much more comfortable to wear and does not require great care.
- Cutlery, castles for products with a higher silver content or jewelry that have reddish or yellowish shades are made from alloys of the 916th sample and below.
Despite the low price, silver is considered one of the most expensive metals in the world because of its unique properties and a wide range of applications.
Ruthenium
The price per gram of ruthenium is $ 6.59. The metal was first found in Russia, in honor of the Latin name of which it was named. Ruthenium is part of the platinum group of metals and is the rarest of them. Together with its closest neighbors, it is mined in the Republic of South Africa, Canada and Russia.
The largest consumption is in the electronics industry. Also, jewelry is not complete without it. Ruthenium is a good reinforcing element, which significantly increases the strength of the product, and hence the duration of its operation. In medicine, its compounds are used to treat malignant tumors and skin defects. In the chemical industry, ruthenium plays the role of a catalyst, and also finds application due to the unique feature of not reacting with other substances and a high melting point (about 2000 degrees).
The color of the metal may vary depending on the methods of mining and processing, but still varies in a small range - from a light silver shade with a noticeable sheen to matte gray.
Osmium
Osmium costs almost twice as much ruthenium - $ 12.86. It got its name for its unpleasant odor (a mixture of bleach and garlic). It is based on the Greek word osme. In its pure form, it has not yet been possible to find, but completely mixed with other metals of the platinum group. In South Africa, Canada, the USA and Colombia, it is mined by isolation from minerals. The osmium content in the lithosphere is very small, and at the same time it is also scattered, and not collected in small deposits. Therefore, its production is a laborious and costly process.
A feature of osmium is its high density, and, accordingly, in mass. It is the heaviest metal in the world. A cube of osmium with a side of eight centimeters will weigh more than a ten-liter bucket of water. Such properties could not help but pay attention to rocket scientists, military technicians, doctors and chemists. The latter take advantage of the fact that this metal is very stable and almost does not react. Doctors use it to create pacemakers.
Platinum
One gram of platinum will cost $ 30.77. And, despite the majority opinion, this substance is not the most expensive precious metal in the world. Platinum has been known to the world for quite some time, but it did not begin to be applied immediately. It's all about processing difficulties.
Now it is widely used in the jewelry industry, electronics, automotive, chemical synthesis and as an investment basis. The main supplier of platinum is the Republic of South Africa.
Gold
For a gram of gold you need to pay $ 42.43. It is almost the most famous precious metal in the world. Its uniqueness lies in its durability and amazing ability to maintain a solid appearance for many years. This is what determines the popularity of gold among jewelers.
Like silver, gold has its samples. The most profitable to purchase are jewelry made of 585 gold. The price of such products is quite affordable, and the appearance does not disappoint. Although gold used to be the most expensive metal in the world, this test is not suitable for investment. Money from the purchase will not be returned in the original amount, because it will be evaluated as scrap. But gold bullion is an excellent and long-term investment method.
Rhodium
Rhodium is the rarest and most expensive metal on Earth, with the exception of those mined artificially in the laboratory. The price for one gram is $ 59.48. Rhodium can be called an aristocrat among metals. As you can see, this metal is more expensive than platinum and gold. We can say that rhodium destroys stereotypes. I get only a few hundred kilograms a year.
It is famous for its hardness and amazing brilliance. Due to the high cost of this substance, it is used only where there is nothing to notice. For example, in mechanical engineering, as a catalyst or component of reflectors and headlights. Also, thanks to some rhodium oxides, you can get black gold, which is actively used in jewelry. Of course, the price of such products will be appropriate, because they were created using the most expensive metal in the world.