Platinum!

I chose my element of the week Platinum by closing my eyes and pointing my finger at the periodic table. Platinum is a precious metal that is quite rare here on earth taking up only .003 part per billion of the Earth's crust. It has an atomic number of 78 (thats 78 protons and 78 neutrons!) and an atomic mass of 195 (rounded). Platinum does not oxidize at any temperature and has a melting point of 3,215 degrees Fahrenheit. It has such a high melting point that you can melt away virtually all impurities out of platinum when processing it. Platinum exists in higher amounts on the moon and in meteorites. We believe the largest platinum reserve in the world (located in South Africa) was a result of a meteor crashing into earth.

Platinum is a symbol of prestige around the world. We are all familiar with Platinum memberships, platinum credit cards, platinum albums, wedding rings, etc..etc... This is due to its rarity, its durable chemical structure and its luster. There are many attractive things about platinum. However, it's most common use is as a catalyst in chemical reactions which is right behind watches, rings, the Queen's crown and other adornments. Platinum is ranked above silver, gold and bronze and just below diamond.