Iridium

Iridium (Ir) is a hard, brittle, silvery-white transition metal belonging to the platinum group, renowned for its extreme resistance to corrosion, acids, and high temperatures. It is the second densest naturally occurring element, found in meteorites and various platinum ores. Iridium's inertness makes it ideal for specialized applications requiring enduring material properties. Its discovery is attributed to Smithson Tennant in 1803, and its name stems from the Greek word 'iris' because of the diverse colors its salts produce. It is commonly used in spark plugs, crucibles, and in the production of alloys.

Iridium meaning with examples

• The space probe's re-entry shield incorporated an iridium alloy to withstand the extreme heat and abrasion of atmospheric friction. This application highlighted iridium's extraordinary durability. The engineering team meticulously selected this rare metal for its capacity to endure harsh conditions, ensuring the probe's survival during its return to Earth.
• High-quality fountain pen nibs often contain iridium tips, enhancing their wear resistance and longevity. The precision of the iridium nib allows for smooth and consistent ink flow. The incorporation of this element improves the writing experience. The pen's design prioritizes durability and reliability.
• Researchers employed iridium crucibles in the high-temperature synthesis of novel materials, taking advantage of iridium's exceptional melting point. The crucible's unreactive nature ensured sample purity. The specialized equipment was a critical component for their research. They selected this material for its exceptional properties.
• The discovery of a layer rich in iridium at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary provided strong evidence of an asteroid impact. This unusual finding supported the catastrophic theory of dinosaur extinction. The layer of iridium, and the environmental devastation that resulted, provided an important insight. Scientists analyzed the stratum in depth.
• Iridium alloys play a vital role in the manufacturing of high-performance spark plugs, enhancing engine efficiency and durability. The electrode material resists erosion in the presence of intense heat and pressure. This prolongs the lifespan of the spark plug. This iridium is an important part of combustion.