Precious metals

Precious metals
in everyday life

From electronic devices to investments and jewellery, medicine and technology: gold, silver, platinum and palladium are ubiquitous and are an essential part of our daily lives.

Gold

Au

Main characteristics

Extremely ductile and malleable
Excellent electrical and thermal conductor
Does not oxidise or corrode

Main uses

Jewellery

of global consumption
approx. 0 %

Investments

ingots and coins
approx. 0 %

Central bank reserves

approx. 0 %

Electronics, dentistry, decoration

approx. 0 %
Did you know?

It is found in almost all consumer electronic devices, such as smartphones and digital cameras.

Silver

Ag

Main characteristics

Excellent electrical and thermal conductor
Slightly harder than gold
Oxidises easily

Main uses

Jewellery and silverware

Electronics and chemical industry

Photography (thanks to photoreactive compounds)

Mirrors and investment products

Did you know?

Silver is used in virtually every electronic device, from televisions to computers.

Platinum

Pt

Main characteristics

High melting point
Corrosion-resistant
Excellent catalyst

Main uses

Automotive industry (catalytic converters)

Chemicals and high technology

Jewellery

Precision components

Did you know?

Thanks to its resistance, it is used in extreme environments, even in space.

Palladium

Pd

Main characteristics

Similar to platinum but lighter
Good conductivity
Lower melting point

Main uses

Catalytic converters for cars

of demand
approx. 0 %

Electronics and connectors

Jewellery

Chemical industry

Did you know?

Palladium has become a strategic metal for the transition to low-emission vehicles.