Platinum has a hardness of 4 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, making it harder than gold but softer than steel. It is dense and tough, which helps it resist bending and wear over time.
Platinum is a precious metal known for its durability and resistance to wear. It is a popular choice for fine jewelry, especially platinum rings and wedding bands. But is platinum harder than other metals like yellow gold or steel? And how does its hardness affect its longevity?
Metals have different levels of hardness, which determines how well they resist scratches and deformation. Understanding platinum’s hardness can help you decide whether it’s the right choice for jewelry or investment.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Platinum is a precious metal that is harder than pure gold, making it more resistant to scratches and everyday wear. |
| Unlike a soft metal like gold, platinum maintains its weight over time, ensuring platinum jewellery stays durable for generations. |
| Platinum’s high melting point and corrosion resistance make it valuable beyond jewellery, including industrial and medical applications like silicone breast implants. |
| While platinum alloys can enhance hardness, pure platinum is naturally strong, eliminating the need for additional strengthening metals like in white gold platinum. |
| The natural rhodium plating of white gold wears down over time, but platinum remains naturally white and does not require re-plating. |
| OWNx’s fractional ownership model allows investors to buy all the platinum they need without purchasing full bars, making it an accessible noble metal investment. |
Understanding Platinum’s Hardness
Hardness in metals refers to their ability to resist scratches, dents, and wear over time. The Mohs scale is a standard measure of hardness, ranking minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).
- Platinum ranks between 4 and 4.5 on the Mohs scale
- Gold ranks at 2.5, meaning platinum is nearly twice as hard
- Steel can range from 4 to 8, depending on the type
Although platinum is harder than pure gold, it is not as hard as steel or titanium. However, its durability comes from its density and toughness, not just hardness alone.
Is Platinum Harder Than Gold?
Yes, platinum is harder than gold, but there’s more to the story.
Pure gold is soft and easily scratched, which is why jewelers mix it with other metals to create yellow gold and white gold alloys. These alloys increase gold’s hardness, making it more practical for jewelry.
- 18K yellow gold contains 75% gold and 25% other metals, making it stronger than pure gold but still softer than platinum
- 14K gold is even harder, as it contains only 58.3% gold
- Platinum rings are made with 95% pure platinum, giving them high durability without the need for additional strengthening alloys
While platinum is harder than gold, it is also denser and more resistant to bending, meaning it holds gemstones more securely over time.
How Hard is Platinum Compared to Steel?
Steel is much harder than platinum, depending on the type.
- Carbon steel can rank 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it significantly harder than platinum
- Stainless steel varies but can reach up to 8 on the Mohs scale
- Platinum’s ranking of 4 to 4.5 makes it softer in comparison
However, hardness is not the only factor in durability. Platinum is a dense and tough metal, meaning it resists wear and tear better than most metals, even if it is softer than steel. This is why it is commonly used in platinum rings and jewelry, where comfort and longevity are important.
OWNx makes it simple to invest in precious metals.
Does Platinum Scratch Easily?
Platinum is scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof. Over time, it develops a natural patina finish, which gives it a soft, matte appearance.
- Unlike yellow gold or white gold, platinum does not lose metal when scratched
- Scratches on platinum simply shift the metal rather than removing it
- This means platinum jewelry maintains its weight over time, unlike gold which wears down
Many people love the patina that develops on platinum rings, as it gives them a unique character. However, if you prefer a polished look, platinum can always be re-polished by a jeweler to restore its shine.
Platinum Rings vs. Yellow Gold: Which is More Durable?
When choosing between a platinum ring and a yellow gold ring, durability is a key factor.
- Platinum is denser and stronger than gold, making it more durable
- Yellow gold is softer, meaning it scratches and bends more easily
- Platinum holds gemstones more securely, reducing the risk of losing a stone over time
Over years of wear, a yellow gold ring may lose metal and require reshaping. A platinum ring, on the other hand, will maintain its form better. This makes platinum a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding rings, especially for those who wear their jewelry daily.
The Role of Platinum in Other Precious Metals
Platinum belongs to the platinum group metals, which includes palladium, rhodium, iridium, and osmium. These metals share similar properties, including high melting points and corrosion resistance.
Historically, Colombian platinum was one of the first sources of platinum in the world. Indigenous people in South America used it for decorative and functional purposes long before it was recognized in Europe.
Today, platinum is often combined with other precious metals to create strong and durable alloys for jewelry and industrial applications.
High Melting Point and Durability
Platinum has a high melting point of 1,768°C, which is significantly higher than gold’s melting point of 1,064°C. This makes platinum:
- More resistant to high temperatures
- More stable in industrial applications
- More corrosion resistant than gold and silver
Because of this, platinum is used not only in jewelry, but also in medical devices, electronics, and automotive parts.
How Hard is it to Break Platinum?
Platinum is not brittle, meaning it does not crack or shatter easily. Instead, it bends under pressure. This property makes platinum highly durable for jewelry and industrial use.
- Unlike some harder metals that can snap under force, platinum absorbs impact by deforming rather than breaking
- Platinum rings and wedding rings maintain their structure better than yellow gold, which can become misshapen over time
- Platinum’s high density and toughness make it ideal for securing gemstones in settings
This resilience is one reason why platinum engagement rings are preferred for securing diamonds and other valuable stones.
White Gold vs. Platinum: What’s the Difference?
Many people compare white gold and platinum because they have a similar appearance. However, there are key differences.
- Platinum is naturally white, while white gold is yellow gold mixed with other metals (such as nickel or palladium) and coated with rhodium plating
- Over time, white gold requires re-plating with rhodium to maintain its color, while platinum never needs plating
- Platinum is denser and heavier, making it feel more substantial on the hand
Gold prices fluctuate more frequently than platinum prices, but platinum remains a top choice for jewelry due to its longevity and lack of required maintenance.
Platinum in Investment and OWNx Fractional Ownership
Platinum is not just for jewelry—it is also a valuable investment. Unlike gold, platinum’s price is more influenced by industrial demand. It is used in automobile catalytic converters, medical equipment, and high-tech applications.
OWNx makes investing in platinum easier with its fractional ownership option. Instead of purchasing a full platinum bar, investors can buy smaller, more affordable portions. This makes platinum investment more accessible while still offering the stability of owning a precious metal.
OWNx makes it simple to invest in precious metals.
The Future of Platinum: Jewelry and Industry
Platinum is mined in limited quantities, with most platinum deposits located in South Africa, Russia, and North America. Its rarity makes it an exclusive metal choice for both jewelry and industrial applications.
- Platinum is used in various applications, including medical tools, lab equipment, and fuel cells
- It is one of the most corrosion-resistant metals, making it valuable for long-term use
- Industrial advancements continue to expand the uses of platinum, keeping its demand steady
Although platinum has periods where it is cheaper than gold, its industrial demand keeps it an important precious metal for investment and jewelry.
Conclusion
Platinum’s hardness and durability make it ideal for jewelry, investment, and industrial use. It is resistant to scratching, retains its weight, and has a high melting point, making it superior in many ways to yellow gold and white gold.
For those interested in owning platinum, OWNx offers fractional ownership, making it easy to invest without committing to a full platinum bar. Whether for jewelry or investment, platinum is a strong and reliable choice.
FAQs
Yes, platinum engagement rings are stronger and more resistant to wear than gold rings, holding gemstones securely over time.
Yes, platinum is a chemical element with the symbol Pt and atomic number 78, known for its high density and resistance to corrosion.
Platinum is biocompatible and non-reactive, making it a safe choice for medical applications such as silicone breast implants and pacemakers.
Yes, platinum is a noble metal, meaning it is highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion, maintaining its quality over time.
Platinum is naturally white and does not require mixing with other metals, unlike white gold, which needs alloys and rhodium plating to maintain its color.
Yes, platinum has an extremely high boiling point of 3,825°C, making this durable metal more stable under extreme temperatures than many other substances.