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When the universe was created by the Big Bang, extreme heat caused the creation of all the elements that are in existence and metals formed over millions of years, as our planet cooled down. Of course, there are many metals and some are in the ‘precious’ category, either due to value or scarcity. The most well-known of the precious metals are, of course, gold and silver, both of which have formed the foundation of the global finance system.
Here is a list of all the precious metals that are traded on the markets.
- Gold – This alluring bright yellow metal has captivated man since we first walked the Earth and if you ever wondered how much is a bar of gold worth, it depends on the weight. While gold has always been highly valued, it is a finite resource and mining figures have been dropping globally, as veins of gold are much harder to find and often, it is too expensive to reach. The value of gold has consistently risen in the past 3 years, as many investors move their wealth out of volatile markets, preferring the safety and performance of gold.
- Silver – This amazing metal has a lot of industrial applications, plus silver is used extensively in the jewellery sector. You can trade silver on the market, but you had best read up on precious metals and the way the market operates, otherwise, it might be an expensive lesson. Aside from the articles you can find from the Internet related to the topic of how to buy gold and silver Brisbane and other cities all over the world would go for, you can also approach a reputable precious metals specialist near you.
- Platinum – This is the most ‘precious’ of the group; platinum is an incredible 15 times rarer than gold! Due to its excellent anti-corrosive properties, platinum is used to make lab equipment and catalytic converters. Platinum is the number 1 metal for jewellery, just ahead of gold, thanks to its hardness and tarnish resistance and if you are looking to invest in platinum, you can buy in bar form from a reputable bullion dealer who deals in all precious metals.
- Palladium – This is part of the platinum family and is the important component in a catalytic converter, plus it is used in science. The first coin minted from palladium was in Sierra Leone in 1966, while the US began minting palladium American Eagles a few years ago.
- Rhodium – A very rare metal, rhodium is extremely hard and resistant to all forms of corrosion; if you plan to buy and sell this metal, you should be very careful, as prices can easily fluctuate and long-term investments are preferred.
- Osmium – Another member of the platinum group, osmium is a very rare element, which can be produced as a by-product of nickel refining. It’s used to make instrument pivots, hypodermic needles and also fountain pen tips. You need nerves of steel to trade osmium, which is best left to the dealers.
- Iridium – A brittle, silver-like metal, iridium has a very high melting point and is one of the rarest elements on the planet. Very specific industrial applications make iridium in great demand; most people have never seen this precious metal and probably never will.
If you would like to trade in precious metals, forge a relationship with a reputable gold bullion dealer, who has access to all of the above.