Iridium: The Ultra-Dense, Rainbow-Named Metal Shaping Our World

In this deep dive, we explore iridium—the second-densest natural element, astonishingly brittle, with an ultra-high melting point and remarkable resistance to corrosion. We uncover why its name nods to a rainbow while its salts show a spectrum of colors, and we explore its applications—from iridium spark plugs and crucibles to Ir-192 brachytherapy in cancer treatment. We’ll trace its rarity in the Earth’s crust versus its abundance in meteorites, its pivotal role in the dinosaur-extinction story at the K-Pg boundary, and look ahead to cutting-edge uses in catalysis, electronics, and nanotechnology.

Note: This podcast was AI-generated, and sometimes AI can make mistakes. Please double-check any critical information.

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