What Makes Platinum Valuable
Platinum is one of the rarest precious metals on Earth, approximately 30 times rarer than gold. Its unique properties make it indispensable for various industries:
- Automotive: ~40% of platinum is used in catalytic converters
- Jewelry: Prized for its durability and natural white color
- Industrial: Essential in petroleum refining and chemical production
- Medical: Used in pacemakers, dental work, and cancer treatments
- Electronics: Hard disk drives and fiber optic cables
Platinum Purity Standards
Platinum jewelry and investment products come in various purity levels:
- Pt999/999: 99.9% pure - Investment grade bullion
- Pt950/950: 95% pure - High-end jewelry standard
- Pt900/900: 90% pure - Common jewelry purity
- Pt850/850: 85% pure - Entry-level platinum jewelry
Platinum vs Gold
While gold often gets more attention, platinum offers unique investment characteristics:
- Rarity: Platinum production is ~5% of gold production
- Industrial Demand: Creates price volatility but also utility value
- Density: Heavier than gold (21.45 g/cm³ vs 19.32 g/cm³)
- Price Ratio: Historically traded at premium to gold, though this varies
Buying & Selling Platinum
Key considerations when transacting in platinum:
- Premium: Expect 3-8% over spot for bars, 10-20% for coins
- Selling: Reputable dealers pay 90-98% of spot price
- Hallmarks: Look for "Pt", "950", "999" stamps
- Authentication: XRF testing confirms platinum content