🔹 Basic Information

• Element Name: Osmium
• Discovered By: Smithson Tennant
• Year of Discovery: 1803
• Category: Transition Metal
• Group: 8
• State at Room Temperature: Solid (bluish-silver metal) ⚙️

Osmium is famous for being one of the densest and hardest natural elements.

🔸 Chemical Properties

• Chemical Symbol: Os
• Atomic Number: 76
• Atomic Mass: ~190.23 u
• Valency: +2, +3, +4, +8
• Electronic Configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁶ 6s²

Osmium is very hard and brittle with a very high melting point.

📘 Basic Things to Know

Osmium is incredibly dense — about twice as dense as lead! It is very hard but brittle, and it has a bluish shine.

🤔 Interesting Facts

• Osmium is the densest naturally occurring element (density about 22.6 g/cm³).
• It has a bluish color, unlike most other metals which are silver or grey.
• Osmium tetroxide (a compound of osmium) is very toxic and has a strong smell, so it must be handled carefully! ☣️
• Used in very hard alloys for fountain pen tips, electrical contacts, and instrument pivots. 🖋️⚡
• Osmium’s hardness makes it valuable for parts that need to resist wear and tear.

🔧 Common Uses

• Alloys: Mixed with other metals like platinum for very hard and durable materials. 🔩
• Pen Tips & Electrical Contacts: For long-lasting, wear-resistant parts. 🖋️⚡
• Microscope & Telescope Parts: Precision instruments needing strong, durable components. 🔭🔬
• Catalysts: Used in some chemical reactions in industry. 🧪

📚 Conclusion

Osmium is a rare and super-dense metal that plays an important role in making durable and precise tools. For students, it’s a fascinating example of how nature creates materials that are both strong and unique! 💪🔬