Iridium

metal · chemistry · precious · extreme

Incredibly dense. Iridium is the second-densest naturally occurring metal on Earth, with a density of 22.56 g/cm3. That means a piece of iridium is much heavier than the same-sized piece of iron or gold.

Silvery and strong. This transition metal has a shiny, silvery-white color and is extremely hard and brittle. Its strength makes it useful for special tools and equipment that need to withstand tough conditions.

Heat champion. Iridium can handle temperatures as hot as 2,000 degrees Celsius (3,630 degrees Fahrenheit) without breaking down or corroding. Almost nothing can rust or damage it, even in the most extreme conditions.

Just two isotopes. There are only two naturally occurring isotopes of iridium in nature: 191Ir and 193Ir, and both are stable. Iridium 193 is more common than iridium 191.