Platinum is grayish white, exhibiting a metallic color somewhat between nickel and silver.   Platinum has an atomic weight of 195.23, which gives it a density almost as great as gold.  This means that it is very heavy for the amount of space it takes up.  Its scientific atomic symbol is PT and atomic number is 78. 

In its pure form it is harder than gold and silver.  In jewelry, typically 5% other metals are added to the platinum to make an alloy soft enough to set precious stones securely in the jewelry settings.

Platinum is widely used as a catalyst. It will convert methyl alcohol vapors (CH4O) into formaldehyde (CH2O) on contact, glowing red hot in the process. This effect is used to make small hand warmers. Platinum is also used in a device called a catalytic converter, a device found in the exhaust systems of most cars.

Catalytic converters combine carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned fuel from a car's exhaust with oxygen from the air, forming carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O).

Platinum is also used as a catalyst in the production of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and in the cracking of petroleum products. Fuel cells, devices that combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity and water, also use platinum as a catalyst.

Platinum is usually found naturally in deposits of small grains, dust, or small nuggets averaging 50-75% purity.  Small amounts of it are acquired as byproducts of other mining. 

The industrial extraction of platinum is complex.  The metal often is found in ores mixed with other metals such as palladium and gold. On average it exists on the earth’s crust at about 5/1000th’s of a gram per metric ton of earth.