Platinum Discovered in 1735, the name platinum was taken from the Spanish, platina , meaning little silver. Platinum is recovered from deposits in its elemental form. In these deposits, the platinum is most often mixed with other metals such as gold , copper , nickel , iridium , osmium , palladium , ruthenium , and rhodium .
Platinum is described as a silvery-white, dense metal that is quite malleable and ductile when pure.
Platinum is resistant to oxidation and tarnish and does not react with most acids. It dissolves readily in aqua regia . Platinum is an important metal.