Palladium
Atomic Number: 46
Atomic Symbol: Pd
Atomic Weight: 106.42
Electron Configuration: 2-8-18-18-0
History
Palladium was named after the asteroid Pallas, which was discovered at about the same time. Pallas was the Greek goddess of wisdom.
Sources
Discovered in 1803 by Wollaston, Palladium is found with platinum and other metals of the platinum group in placer deposits of Russia, South America, North America, Ethiopia, and Australia. It is also found associated with the nickel-copper deposits of South Africa and Ontario. Palladium's separation from the platinum metals depends upon the type of ore in which it is found.
Uses
Finely divided palladium is a good catalyst and is used for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. It is alloyed and used in jewelry trades.
White gold is an alloy of gold decolorized by the addition of palladium. Like gold, palladium can be beaten into leaf as thin as 1/250,000 in. The metal is used in dentistry, watchmaking, and in making surgical instruments and electrical contacts.
Cost
The metal sells for about $150/troy oz.
To Send a Request for Quote, please Click Here, call (973) 276 - 5000, or fax (973) 276 - 5050