Symbol

Pd

Atomic Number

46

Atomic Mass

106.42

Family

Group 10 (Viiib) Transition Metal; Platinum Group Pronunciation

puh-LAY-dee-um

Overview

Palladium is found in Row 5, Group 10 (VIIIB) of the periodic table. The periodic tabLe is a chart that shows how chemical elements are related to each other. Palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, indium, and platinum make up the platinum group of metals. These metals are also sometimes called the noble metals. That term reflects the fact that the six elements are not very reactive.

Palladium was discovered along with rhodium in 1803 by English chemist William Hyde Wollaston (1766-1828). Wollaston had been studying platinum ores, probably taken from South America.

Like the other platinum metals, palladium is quite rare. It also has a beautiful shiny finish that does not tarnish easily. These properties make it desirable in making jewelry and art objects. These uses are its most important applicatio

Discovery and Naming

As early...