PGE's, in particular platinum itself are widely used as a decorative metal in jewellery, but its principal uses are in industrial applications. Platinum alloys are used for jewellery and dental purposes. Palladium is also used in the electronic and dental industries.
Rhodium is used in catalysts, alloyed with platinum.
Iridium and Ruthenium are used in electrochemical, electronic and catalytic applications. Osmium is used for in medical applications such as chemotherapy. South Africa and Russia are the world's largest producers of PGE's.