Julius Scaliger is credited with the initial discovery that platinum was a unique metal.
The Discovery of Platinum
The story of platinum's discovery involves a couple of key figures and milestones.
- Julius Scaliger: In 1557, Scaliger identified platinum as a unique metal. He was the first to recognize its distinct properties.
- Antonio de Ulloa: In 1735, Antonio de Ulloa brought platinum to the attention of a wider audience. He communicated Scaliger's initial discovery.
Therefore, while Scaliger made the initial observation, Ulloa's work helped to disseminate the information to the scientific community.
Platinum: Key Facts
Here's a quick overview of platinum:
Property | Description |
---|---|
Element Number | 78 |
Symbol | Pt |
Type | Precious Metal |
Protons in Nucleus | 78 |