Sources/Uses
Used in jewelry (substitute for platinum), pen nibs, electrical contacts and filaments, ceramic colors, and catalysts (hydrocarbon synthesis); [Merck Index]
Comments
There are 7 stable isotopes. The artificial radioisotopes are 93-95, 97, 103, and 105-108. [Merck Index] "The metals in this group [platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, and ruthenium] generally are nontoxic in the metallic state, but the soluble halide salts (particularly of Pt) and osmium tetroxide are highly reactive. Exposure to these elements results in hypersensitivity allergic reactions in susceptible individuals." [Sullivan, p. 911]