What is the atomic number and symbol of platinum?
Platinum carries the symbol Pt and holds atomic number 78 in the periodic table. It exists as six naturally occurring isotopes that define its nuclear behavior.
Questions about Platinum
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Where are the largest known reserves of platinum located on Earth?
The Merensky Reef layer in South Africa contains approximately 75% of the world's known platinum reserves. Hans Merensky discovered this large supply in 1924 within the Bushveld Igneous Complex.
When did European writers first mention platinum in historical records?
European writers first mentioned platinum in 1557 when Julius Caesar Scaliger described an unknown noble metal. Antonio de Ulloa published his report on Colombian platinum in 1748 after eight years traveling through Colombia and Peru.
How does platinum function in modern vehicle emissions control devices?
Ninety-eight tonnes of platinum went into vehicle emissions control devices out of 218 total sold in 2014. Catalytic converters complete combustion of unburned hydrocarbons from exhaust into carbon dioxide and water vapor using platinum powder catalysts.
What is cisplatin used for in medical treatments today?
Cisplatin represents the first square planar platinum compound used as chemotherapy treatment for certain cancers. Platinum drugs treat testicular carcinomas, ovarian tumors, melanoma, lung cancers, myelomas, and lymphomas by crosslinking DNA to kill cancer cells.