1. Mac Coln / Joshua Bi Period 1

2. Platinum is in the elements class. Platinum is white-gray to silver-gray and usually lighter than the platinum color of pure processed platinum. Platinum’s luster is metallic. Platinum’s transparency is opaque. Platinum’s cleavage is absent. Platinum’s streak is steel-gray. Platinum’s hardness is 4 – 4.5. Platinum’s specific density is 14 – 19+ and pure platinum has a specific density of 21.5.

3. As a pure metal, platinum does not contain any additional elements.

4. 80% of the world’s platinum is found in South Africa. The second biggest producer is Russia. The third biggest producer is the United States.

5. Platinum is mined and processed through extraction, crushing and milling, flotation, drying, smelting, and refining.

6. Platinum currently costs $40.62 per gram.

7. Due to its wear- and tarnish-resistant qualities, Platinum is used for making jewelry. Platinum can also be used in surgical tools, laboratory utensils, coins, electrical resistance, and electrical contact points.

9. A gemstone is a piece of mineral in cut and polished form. Not all minerals are gemstones because not all minerals are cut and polished. Mac’s birthstone is Turquoise. Josh’s birthstone is Topaz or Citrine (Quartz).