Osmium
Osmium
Osmium (/ˈɒzmiəm/ OZ-mee-əm) is a chemical element with the symbol Os and atomic number 76. It is a hard, brittle, blue-gray or blue-black transition metal in the platinum group that is found as a trace element in alloys, mostly in platinum ores. Osmium is the densest naturally occurring element, with a density of 22.59 g/cm^3.
Etymology
The name Osmium is derived from the Greek word "osme" (ὀσμή), meaning "smell". This is due to the strong smell of its volatile oxide.
Related Terms
- Alloy: A substance composed of two or more metals or a metal and a non-metal.
- Transition Metal: Any of the set of metallic elements occupying a central block in the periodic table.
- Platinum Group: A group of six precious metals clustered together in the periodic table.
- Atomic Number: The number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom.
- Trace Element: A chemical element required in minute quantities by an organism.
- Density: The mass per unit volume of a substance.
Uses
Osmium is used in alloys with platinum, iridium, and other platinum group metals. Those alloys are employed in fountain pen tips, electrical contacts, and other applications where extreme durability and hardness are needed.
Health Effects
Osmium tetroxide, the compound most often associated with osmium, is highly toxic. Exposure can damage the eyes, skin, respiratory system, and may be fatal in large amounts.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Osmium
- Wikipedia's article - Osmium
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