How Do We Get It? – Iridium

January 1, 2026 · by sybrinapublishing

The Journey of Iridium: Unveiling the Secrets of a Rare Element

If you’ve ever glanced at the periodic table, you might have noticed a curious element known as Iridium, with the symbol “Ir” and the atomic number 77. While it may not be as famous as gold or silver, iridium is a unique and remarkable element with fascinating properties and a captivating history. So, how do we actually get iridium? Let’s delve into its story, from its discovery to its extraction.

Iridium was first discovered in 1803 by the British chemist Smithson Tennant. While he was examining the residue left after dissolving platinum ore, Tennant noticed that this material contained a previously unknown substance. It was dense, had a striking metallic luster, and was surprisingly resistant to corrosion. He decided to name it “iridium” after the Greek word “Iris,” meaning rainbow, due to the colorful compounds it formed.

Iridium is classified as one of the rarest elements in the Earth’s crust. You won’t find it lying around in large quantities like some of the more common elements. Instead, it is often found in association with other precious metals, particularly platinum. The main ore that contains iridium is called platinum group metals (PGMs), which also include platinum, palladium, osmium, rhodium, and ruthenium.

Most iridium is sourced from mineral-rich regions like South Africa and Russia, where mining operations extract platinum ores. The extraction process can be quite complicated due to the nature of these ores. When platinum is mined, it often comes with traces of iridium, meaning that extraction methods must be highly specialized and efficient.

The production of iridium starts with the mining of platinum ore. Once the ore is extracted, it undergoes a series of processes that aim to separate the various metals contained within. Traditionally, the ore is crushed and processed using various techniques, including flotation and smelting. This is where things get tricky; iridium, being so rare, requires careful handling to ensure its recovery from the mix of metals.

To isolate iridium, chemists employ techniques such as solvent extraction, where they use certain chemicals to dissolve the desired metals while leaving the unwanted ones behind. Once the iridium is separated, it often takes the form of a black powder or a grayish metallic mass. The final step may involve further refining processes to achieve high purity levels, especially since iridium is utilized in various high-tech applications.

So, why bother with iridium at all? Well, this rare element has several remarkable characteristics that make it valuable across a range of industries. Its density and high melting point give it exceptional heat-resistant properties, making it ideal for use in electronics, spark plugs, and even in some satellite components. Iridium is also chemically inert, meaning it doesn’t easily react with other substances, giving it applications in medical devices and corrosion-resistant items.

In summary, iridium is a fascinating element that journeys from the depths of the Earth to various cutting-edge applications. Although it may not be as well-known as some other metals, its rarity and unique properties make it truly special. Next time you look at the periodic table, take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey that elements like iridium undergo to find their place in our modern world!

This article is brought to you by Sybrina Durant, the author of the middle grade picture book, Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented Alphabetically By The Elemental Wizards. Learn More. In that book Iridium is presented by the Wizard, Iridna.

Inter-Active Elemental Fantasy-Themed Periodic Table from Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented Alphabetically by The Elemental Dragon Clan

Click here to use This Inter-Active Viewer To Learn More About The Elements Each Elemental Represents On This Periodic Table. Want this in a 24″ x 36″ Poster? Click here.