Platinum Iridium Alloy- What is it? — SEO for the Poor and Determined

Disclosure: Some of the links you’ll encounter are affiliate links. If you click and buy something, I’ll get a commission. If you’re reading a review of some precious metals company, please understand that some of the links are affiliate links that help me pay my bills and write about what I love with no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Platinum-iridium alloy combines 90-95% platinum with 5-10% iridium, creating a material prized in jewelry for its enhanced hardness, strength, and durability while maintaining platinum’s luster and chemical stability.

The alloy is paramagnetic (weakly attracted to magnets) and generally hypoallergenic, though rare allergic reactions can occur.

It’s commonly used in wedding rings and high-end jewelry due to its resistance to tarnish and deformation. The alloy is created through vacuum arc melting or induction melting at temperatures around 1800-2000°C.

Its value fluctuates based on current platinum and iridium spot prices, with typical hallmarks including “Irid Plat” markings.

Table of Contents

What is Platinum Iridium Alloy (Definition and Meaning)?

A platinum-iridium alloy is an alloy of platinum and iridium that contains 90% platinum and 10% iridium (Pt90Ir10) or 95% platinum and 5% iridium (Pt95Ir5).

Platinum Iridium is prized in jewelry industry for increased hardness, strength, and durability compared to pure platinum while retaining the luster and elegance of platinum and its chemical stability and high-temperature resistance.

Is Platinum Iridium Alloy Magnetic?

No, Platinum Iridium alloy isn’t magnetic. It’s paramagnetic.

Platinum Iridium is paramagnetic because both platinum and iridium are paramagnetic.

Being paramagnetic means this alloy is only weakly attracted to a magnetic field and doesn’t retain any magnetism once the field is removed.

Is Platinum Iridium Alloy Hypoallergenic?

Yes, Platinum Iridium is hypoallergenic.

It’s because both platinum and iridium are safe metals for people with metal allergies and their alloy is unlikely to cause any problems, even in people with heightened skin sensitivity.

Note: both platinum and iridium aren’t allergenic, but they can still cause allergenic reaction in sensitive people.

For example, here’s someone who got a rash from their 95% platinum and 5% iridium (Pt95Ir5).

Allergy to Platinum Iridium ring example

Is There Bullion Made From Platinum Iridium Alloy?

No, there’s no bullion made from Platinum Iridium. Instead, investment-grade platinum bullion is exclusively made from platinum 999 (fine platinum).

Investment-grade platinum coins and bars are made from IRA-approved platinum bullion and it’s these coins and bars you can include as part of your gold IRA or platinum IRA account.

Note: Augusta Precious Metals is the best precious metals investment company in the United States. You can get in touch with them to buy the IRA-eligible platinum bullion you want.

With Augusta you can either purchase platinum coins and bars to keep at your home, purchase them as part of your new platinum IRA account which Augusta will help you open.

Augusta Precious Metals free web conference-all your questions answered!

Is There Jewelry Made From Platinum Iridium Alloy?

Yes, there’s jewelry made from Platinum Iridium, most commonly as a 95% platinum / 5% iridium blend (Pt950/Ir) and 90% platinum / 10% iridium blend (Pt900/Ir).

These two variations of this platinum/iridium alloy are valued for their added strength, hardness, resistance to tarnish and deformation and workability in jewelry design.

Wedding rings are the jewelry pieces most often produced from this alloy and it’s because wedding rings are constantly worn and need to be able to maintain their structural integrity and beauty over time.

Of course, high-end jewelry items, such as necklaces and bracelets, benefit from this alloy’s luster and resistance to tarnish.

What are the Platinum Iridium Alloy Properties That are Beneficial for Jewelry Design?

Platinum-iridium alloy is the first choice for many jewelry when creating intricate and delicate jewelry pieces.

Platinum and iridium combined give a much better result than platinum or iridium alone.

Durability. Iridium significantly increases the hardness and strength of platinum, making the alloy more resistant to deformation and wear and tear.
Corrosion Resistance. Both iridium and platinum are highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion, even in harsh chemical environments.
High Melting Point. Platinum Iridium has a melting point of around 2,100°C (3,812°F), making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
Biocompatibility. This alloy isn’t toxic and doesn’t cause adverse reactions when in contact with human skin.

What is the Hallmark for Platinum Iridium Alloy?

The hallmark for Platinum Iridium is typically Irid Plat, 10 Irid 90 Plat, 100 Irid 900 Plat, 10% Irid 90% Plat stamped or laser-etched onto the jewelry piece.

How are Platinum and Iridium Alloyed?

Platinum and Iridium are alloyed in two distinct ways.

Vacuum Arc Melting is the most common method for creating platinum-iridium alloys. Both metals are melted together in a vacuum or inert atmosphere (like argon) to prevent oxidation. The metals are heated to temperatures around 1800-2000°C using an electric arc, allowing them to form a homogeneous mixture.

Induction Melting is another approach where electromagnetic induction heats the metals in a crucible, typically made of alumina or zirconia to avoid contamination.

How Much is Platinum Iridium Alloy Worth?

Platinum Iridium consists of 90% pure platinum and 10% pure iridium, and is therefore worth 90% of the current platinum spot price+ 10% of the current iridium spot price.

Both platinum and iridium spot prices change multiple times during the day because of the interplay of supply and demand so the value of your Platinum Iridium changes with them.

Platinum Iridium Alloy- What is it? Conclusion