Facts about the Classification of the Element Platinum
Platinum is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as a Transition Metals is ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat.

Brief Facts about the Discovery and History of the Element Platinum
Platinum was discovered by astronomers Antonio de Ulloa and Don Jorge Juan y Santacilia in 1735. However the first European reference to platinum appears in 1557 in the writings of the Italian humanist Julius Caesar Scaliger (1484-1558). Charles Wood independently isolated the element in 1741. The alchemical symbol for platinum was made by joining the symbols of silver and gold

Occurrence of the element Platinum
Obtained from platinum ores
Found in a native state and the ore sperrylite
Considered more precious than gold

Common Uses of Platinum
Used in catalytic converters for automobiles
Making crucibles
Coating missile nose cones
Jet engine fuel nozzles
Medical treatments of cancer

The Properties of the Element Platinum
Name of Element : Platinum
Symbol of Element : Pt
Atomic Number of Platinum : 78
Atomic Mass: 195.078 amu
Melting Point: 1772.0 °C - 2045.15 °K
Boiling Point: 3827.0 °C - 4100.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Platinum : 78
Number of Neutrons in Platinum : 117
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 21.45 g/cm3
Color of Platinum : silver-white