Iridium
ID: 26
Iridium
Chemical Formula
Ir
Hardness (Mohs)
6 - 7
Crystal System
Isometric
Streak
Gray
Luster
Metallic
Diaphaneity
Opaque
Color
Tin-white to steel-gray
Crystal Habit / Mode of Occurrence
Isometric - Hexoctahedral; typically found as small grains, nuggets, or flakes; rarely cubic or octahedral crystals.
Fun Facts
Iridium is one of the densest naturally occurring elements and is the most corrosion-resistant metal known. It's also unusually abundant in meteorites, suggesting a strong extraterrestrial component in Earth's crust. Common Uses: Hardener for platinum alloys, spark plugs, high-temperature crucibles, electrical contacts, medical implants.