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Palladium has the symbol Pd. It is silver-white in
color that resembles platinum. Its melting point is 1555ºC,
with a density of 12, which is lighter than platinum.
Hardness relative to platinum is higher, 4.8 relative to
platinum's 4.6. At normal room temperature state,
palladium does not react with oxygen or lose its luster.
The unique physical and chemical properties of palladium
as a free metal increases the difficulty in its
extraction and processing, often causing damage and
loss.
Palladium along with platinum and two other metals form
a group of elements called platinum group metals.
This group is generally more expensive than gold and is
considered the "aristocratic family" among all precious
metals. The coins and jewelry made from palladium
are considered especially precious, pure and
long-lasting. Palladium is unusually hard and pure while
possessing the naturally attractive luster and shine
found in platinum. These qualities allow it to
withstand the test of time and hold its white color.
Palladium is one of the world's rarest of all precious
metals. Earth deposits are very limited and
its supply is much lower than gold. The annual
production is less than 5% that of gold. Although
the price of palladium is currently lower than that of
platinum, historically it had maintained a much higher
price. Its limited supply means that as demand
increases, palladium's ability to retain and increase in
value will quickly emerge.
A comparison between platinum and palladium shows that
they look similar from appearance and share similar
chemical properties. However, there exists a huge
gap between the value of the two metals. The
serious observer requires careful discernment. The type
of metal, platinum (pt) or palladium (pd), is denoted on
the actual coin. For two coins of the same weight,
the palladium coin would be bigger in diameter.
Its difference in density also means a distinct
difference can be felt in one's hands. The value
of the coin also differs.
In all, palladium possesses much room for value
increase. Relative to the familiar gold,
palladium's future potential is very much anticipated. |
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