How Do We Get It? – Iridium.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.