Beyond Platinum: Exploring Metals, Games, and Anniversaries
What truly lies higher than platinum depends heavily on the context. In terms of pure monetary value in the precious metals market, rhodium often reigns supreme, dwarfing platinum in price per ounce. Palladium is also another metal that may be considered better depending on the circumstances of the user. In the hierarchy of materials in video games, diamond usually represents the level above platinum. Finally, if you’re celebrating wedding anniversaries, diamond (at 75 years) and other materials like oak or granite come to mind. Let’s delve into each of these areas to get a clearer picture.
Precious Metals: Value and Rarity
Within the realm of precious metals, platinum sits among giants like gold, silver, and palladium. However, price fluctuations in the market mean that the “best” metal, from a purely financial standpoint, changes frequently. What is consistently true, however, is that these materials all have specific applications that dictate their inherent values.
Rhodium: The King of Expense
Rhodium, a member of the platinum group metals (PGMs), is exceedingly rare and boasts exceptional properties. Its high reflectivity, resistance to corrosion, and use as a catalyst in the automotive industry (specifically in catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions) drive up its value significantly. This makes rhodium the most expensive material mentioned so far. It’s important to note that rhodium is most often a by-product of platinum extraction and therefore much harder to come by.
Palladium: Scarce and In-Demand
Palladium is also pricier than platinum. Its primary application lies in catalytic converters, especially in gasoline-powered vehicles. Palladium is more rare than platinum and sees wide usage in industrial applications, driving up its value as vehicle emission standards tighten around the world.
Platinum: Industrial Strength and Jewelry Appeal
While often overshadowed by rhodium and sometimes palladium, platinum remains a highly valuable and desirable metal. Its durability, resistance to tarnishing, and hypoallergenic properties make it a popular choice for jewelry, especially for settings that hold precious stones like diamonds. However, the price can be volatile due to industrial applications.
Gaming Hierarchies: Climbing the Ranks
Many multiplayer video games employ ranking systems to differentiate players based on their skill level. These systems often draw inspiration from precious metals, creating a familiar and easily understandable hierarchy.
From Bronze to Diamond: A Familiar Ladder
The progression typically follows this pattern:
- Bronze: The starting point for most players.
- Silver: An improvement over Bronze, indicating a developing skill set.
- Gold: A significant achievement, representing a competent level of play.
- Platinum: A prestigious rank, signifying a skilled and dedicated player.
- Diamond: Often the highest or near-highest rank, reserved for elite players.
Some games may include additional tiers above Diamond, such as Master, Grandmaster, or Challenger, but diamond is the widely accepted level beyond platinum. This ranking is a symbolic status that denotes skill and dedication. This is how many modern multiplayer games that implement ranking systems denote progress among their players.
Anniversaries: Milestones Marked in Materials
Wedding anniversaries are often associated with specific materials, each symbolizing the strength and longevity of the marriage. While platinum represents the 20th wedding anniversary, others come after to represent further milestones.
Beyond Platinum: Diamond, Oak, and Granite
These materials follow platinum in the anniversary timeline:
- 75th Anniversary: Diamond is the material which follows the 70th anniversary that comes before it.
- 80th Anniversary: Oak: Symbolizing strength and stability, oak represents a lasting bond.
- 90th Anniversary: Granite: Signifying enduring strength and resilience.
It’s important to note that the anniversary materials can vary slightly depending on cultural traditions and regional preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the six platinum group metals (PGMs)?
The platinum group metals (PGMs) are a family of six chemically similar elements: platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium. They share properties like high melting points, resistance to corrosion, and catalytic abilities.
2. Why is rhodium so much more expensive than platinum?
Rhodium’s extreme rarity and high demand for use in catalytic converters drive its price up. It is significantly less abundant than platinum and plays a vital role in reducing harmful emissions from vehicles.
3. Is palladium suitable for jewelry?
Palladium can be used in jewelry, offering a durable and hypoallergenic alternative to platinum and white gold. Its malleability makes it good for holding diamonds securely.
4. What is the rarest stable metal on Earth?
The rarest stable metal on Earth is tantalum. While francium is even rarer, its extremely short half-life (22 minutes) makes it impractical for any use.
5. Is platinum magnetic?
Pure platinum is not magnetic. However, if alloyed with magnetic metals like cobalt, it can exhibit magnetic properties.
6. What types of rock is platinum found in?
Platinum is typically found in ultra-mafic igneous rocks, such as chromite and olivine. It is often associated with these rock types due to its geological origin.
7. What are the different platinum purities?
Platinum is labeled based on its platinum content: PT950 (95% platinum), PT900 (90% platinum), and PT850 (85% platinum). In the United States, items labeled as “platinum” must be at least 95% pure.
8. Is titanium stronger than platinum?
Titanium has a higher strength-to-weight ratio. In terms of tensile strength, titanium alloys can exceed the strength of platinum. However, platinum is denser and more resistant to corrosion.
9. Is there a metal harder than platinum?
Yes, several metals are harder than platinum. According to the Mohs hardness scale, metals like steel, palladium, rhodium, iridium, and ruthenium are harder than platinum.
10. How do record sales achieve platinum and diamond status?
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awards platinum status to albums or singles that sell 1 million units and diamond status for sales of 10 million units or more.
11. How does platinum compare to gold?
Platinum is typically more durable than gold and less prone to scratching. Gold is softer and more malleable. The prices of both metals can fluctuate based on market demand.
12. What are the weaknesses of platinum?
While resistant to many substances, platinum can dissolve in hot aqua regia (a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids) and react with certain molten alkalis.
13. Why is platinum used in catalytic converters?
Platinum is used in catalytic converters because it acts as a catalyst, facilitating chemical reactions that convert harmful pollutants into less harmful substances, such as carbon dioxide and water.
14. What is black rhodium plating?
Black rhodium is a dark, metallic gray plating composed of rhodium and other metals. It can be applied to precious metals to create a cool, edgy aesthetic.
15. Where can I learn more about the use of games in education?
Explore the Games Learning Society website to find valuable insights into how games can be used in learning environments: GamesLearningSociety.org.
Hopefully, this has clarified the answer and provided a comprehensive look at what might be considered “higher than platinum,” depending on the context. Whether you’re considering the metals markets, the rankings of your favorite multiplayer game, or upcoming anniversary gifts, understanding these contexts is key.