SYNTHESIZING THE PRECIOUS METALS

Gold, silver, and platinum.

- MARK LEATHERMAN

The big three of the precious metals realm. They are rare, beautiful, expensive, and typically smaller-sized specimens are represented in most collections. Most collectors are only able to be awestruck and take pictures of such large cabinet pieces that high-end collectors can possess.

Whether it is for investment purposes or having something akin to owning a Rembrandt or Picasso, it is no secret that precious metals are highly sought after. Despite their beauty and high value, it seems like the true scientific value of the precious metals tends to be overlooked. With that, we shall dive into the true origins of these prized metals, and how their placement on the Periodic Table not only makes them precious, but rather unusual!

EXPLORING NUCLEOSYNTHESIS

As with any other chemical element, the precious metals were born billions of years ago when our galaxy began to take shape with the Big Bang. Element nuclei are synthesized in the center of stars at temperatures of millions of degrees and a level of pressure that makes forming diamonds in laboratories sound like a cakewalk; a process known as stellar nucleosynthesis. Atoms of hydrogen and helium, the simplest two elements by atomic number and what comprises 99% of the universe, are fused to build bigger nuclei of increasing atomic number.

This process within stars continues until the iron is synthesized (atomic number 26), wherein iron nuclei are so tightly bound that fusion cannot continue at existing temperatures and pressures. Secondly, the fusion of iron atoms does not produce additional energy, as a byproduct, as lighter elements do. Without a continuous energy (or fuel) source, a star’s days become numbered where a supernova will soon follow.