Osmiridium

Osmiridium, also called iridosmium, is an alloy of osmium and iridium, with traces of other platinum group metals, found naturally or man-made.

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Occurrence

Osmiridium is very rare, but it can be found in mines of other platinum group metals. It can be isolated by adding a piece to aqua regia, which has the ability to dissolve gold and platinum but not osmiridium. It occurs naturally as small, extremely hard, flat metallic grains with hexagonal crystal structure.

Uses

Osmiridium is used in making fountain pen nibs, surgical equipment, and other high-wear functions.