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{{Element | name=Iridium | symbol=Ir | anumber=77 | amass=192.22 amu | state=Solid | class=Transition Metals | cstructure=Face-Centered Cubic| density=22.560 g/cm^3 | color=Silver, slightly yellowish | stableisotopes=2 | date=1803 | discname=Smithson Tennant | origname=From the Latin ''iridis'', meaning ''rainbow''. | uses=Used in conjunction with [[osmium]] to tip gold pen points, to make crucibles and other high-temperature containers. Also used to make alloys for standard weights and measures, as well as heat-resistant alloys. In addition, used in cancer irradiation, hypodermic needles, helicopter spark plugs and as hardening agent for [[platinum]]. | obtained=Found in gravel deposits with [[platinum]], [[iridosmium]], and [[osmiridium]] ores. }}
'''Iridium''' is an [[element]] in the [[transition metal]]s class of the [[periodic table of the elements|periodic table]]. It is hard and lustrous, and is perhaps the most corrosion-resistant metal known. It has the second-highest density of all elements, after [[osmium]].
An alloy of [[platinum]] and iridium was used in the international standard [[International_System_of_Units#Meter|meter]] bar, before the standard was changed in 1960. A similar alloy is still used in the international standard [[International_System_of_Units#Kilogram|kilogram]]. An alloy of 90% [[platinum]] and 10% iridium is widely used in both the jewelry and chemical industries, because it is strong, hard, beautiful, and impervious to almost all chemicals even at very high temperatures.
== Uses ==
Iridium does not have many "everyday" uses, but a few common ones are:
- Spark plugs.
- Phonograph needles.
- It forms an alloy with [[osmium]] used for tipping pens and compass bearings.
- Electrical contacts.
[[Category:Elements]]