Primary Applications
Spark plugs, crucibles, electrical contacts, catalysts, high-temperature alloys
Mining Significance
Iridium is one of the rarest platinum-group metals and is recovered mainly as a coproduct from PGE-bearing ores. It is typically present in very low concentrations in magmatic PGM systems and requires sophisticated refining to separate it from platinum, palladium, ruthenium, and other metals. Its extreme scarcity and specialized uses mean that production is closely tied to the economics of the broader PGM operation.
