🔹 Basic Information

• Element Name: Iridium
• Discovered By: Smithson Tennant
• Year of Discovery: 1803
• Category: Transition Metal
• Group: 9
• State at Room Temperature: Solid (silvery-white metal) ⚙️

Iridium is known for being one of the densest and most corrosion-resistant metals on Earth.

🔸 Chemical Properties

• Chemical Symbol: Ir
• Atomic Number: 77
• Atomic Mass: ~192.22 u
• Valency: +3, +4, +6
• Electronic Configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁷ 6s²

Iridium is extremely hard and durable, and it resists oxidation even at very high temperatures.

📘 Basic Things to Know

Iridium is so tough that it is often used in very harsh environments like deep-sea cables and spacecraft parts. It is also very rare, making it valuable for special applications.

🤔 Interesting Facts

• Iridium is one of the rarest elements in the Earth’s crust.
• It is so resistant to corrosion that it can survive in almost all acids, even aqua regia (a mix of nitric and hydrochloric acids). 🧪
• The Iridium layer in rocks worldwide is linked to the asteroid impact that caused the dinosaurs’ extinction! 🌍💥
• It’s used in high-performance spark plugs for cars and aircraft. 🚗✈️
• Iridium alloys are used in pen tips (like the famous fountain pen nibs) because of their hardness and smooth writing. 🖋️

🔧 Common Uses

• Spark Plugs & Electrical Contacts: For durability under high temperatures. 🔥⚡
• Crucibles & Laboratory Equipment: Can handle extremely hot and corrosive environments. ⚗️
• Fountain Pen Tips: Known for smooth, long-lasting writing tips. 🖋️
• Spacecraft & Satellites: Used for parts that need to withstand harsh conditions in space. 🚀
• Catalysts: In chemical reactions, especially in the automotive industry.

📚 Conclusion

Iridium is a rare, strong, and corrosion-proof metal essential for technology that must survive extreme conditions. For students, it’s a cool example of how some elements combine strength and rarity to help advance science and industry! 🛠️🌟