Discovered by Smithson Tennant of England in 1803, osmium is named for the Greek word "osme", meaning odor. Osmium does not oxidize in air unless heated, but is highly toxic when heated as it creates osmium tetroxide. It is very strong and is not affected by most acids. While it is naturally a byproduct of refined nickel, it is also found in platinum AND in an extremely rare mineral called osmiridium. It is currently selling at the high price of 100 dollars per gram.It is commonly used in:
- Microscopy fingerprint detection
- Catalyst
- Fountain pen points
- Phonographic needles
- Instrument bearings
- Electrical light filaments
- Hard alloys
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