See also: Chemical Elements
Metallic Element, known in natural alloy form since antiquity. It is a malleable, ductile,
lustrous, silver-white, chemically inactive metal. Platinum and its alloys are
used in surgical tools, laboratory utensils, electrical-Resistance wires (see Conductor), contact points, standard masses, jewelry, dentistry, and very powerful
magnets (see Magnetism). Platinum is used as a catalyst in automobile catalytic converters and in
many commercial processes.