It is a gray-white transition metal, precious, heavy, malleable and ductile. It is resistant to corrosion and is found in different minerals, often together with nickel and copper; It can also be found as metal. It is used in jewelry, laboratory equipment, electrical contacts, fillings and automobile catalysts. Platinum was discovered in America, in the province of Esmeraldas, Ecuador, by the Spaniard Antonio de Ulloa, being taken to Europe for the first time in the year 1735. The name of the element is related to its resemblance to silver, with the which was confused at first. In 1822, platinum was also found in the Ural Mountains (Russia), and later in Colombia, Canada and South Africa. In 2006, demand for platinum for jewelery accounted for 25% of total platinum demand. This precious metal is highly valued for its beauty and purity, along with its particular properties, in Europe and the United States its normal purity is 95% although in other countries it can decay up to 85%.
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