The
noble metals are gold, silver, mercury, and the platinum group (including
palladium, iridium, rhodium, ruthenium, and osmium). The term refers to those
metals highly resistant to chemical reaction or oxidation (resistant to
corrosion) and is contrasted to "base" metals which are not so
resistant. The term has its origins in ancient alchemy whose goals of
transformation and perfection were pursued through the different properties of metals
and chemicals. The term is not synonymous with "precious metals,"
although a metal, like platinum, may be both. (The Handy Science Answer Book,
compiled by the Science and Technology department of the Carnegie Library of
Pittsburgh)
The
noble metals are gold, silver, mercury, and the platinum group (including
palladium, iridium, rhodium, ruthenium, and osmium). The term refers to those
metals highly resistant to chemical reaction or oxidation (resistant to
corrosion) and is contrasted to "base" metals which are not so
resistant. The term has its origins in ancient alchemy whose goals of
transformation and perfection were pursued through the different properties of metals
and chemicals. The term is not synonymous with "precious metals,"
although a metal, like platinum, may be both. (The Handy Science Answer Book,
compiled by the Science and Technology department of the Carnegie Library of
Pittsburgh)