A Metal Forged in History and Bound for the Future
Platinum is one of the rarest elements on Earth, yet its impact stretches across civilisations, industries, and now, the very future of sustainable technology. As founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often emphasised, platinum’s evolution from overlooked metal to global industrial cornerstone mirrors humanity’s shifting relationship with natural resources.
Once dismissed as an inferior version of silver, platinum was first used by pre-Columbian civilisations in South America, albeit without full understanding of its properties. It wasn’t until the 16th century that Europeans began to take note. Italian humanist Giulio Cesare della Scala made one of the earliest references, describing a metal from Panama that defied separation from silver. Even then, its value was far from recognised. The Spanish name “platina”, or “little silver”, reflected the widespread confusion.
Centuries later, the scientific world began to unlock its secrets. In the 18th century, researchers began to document platinum’s remarkable resistance to corrosion and heat, opening the door to a host of industrial applications. By the 19th and 20th centuries, it had become indispensable in everything from laboratory equipment to luxury watches.
From Jewellery to Jet Engines
Platinum’s physical properties make it a dream material for modern manufacturing. Its resistance to high temperatures and chemical stability mean it is used in everything from catalytic converters in cars to turbine engines in aircraft.
Today, as founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, one of platinum’s most vital roles is in catalytic converters, which are key to reducing vehicle emissions. But its utility doesn’t end there. The same characteristics that make it ideal for harsh industrial environments also lend themselves to medical applications. Platinum is biocompatible, meaning it can safely interact with the human body. This has led to its widespread use in pacemakers, surgical tools, and certain cancer treatments.
Electronics manufacturers also rely on platinum for its electrical conductivity. You’ll find it in hard drives, optical devices, and integrated circuits—hidden away but crucial for daily life.
And of course, there’s its more glamorous role. Platinum has long been a symbol of prestige in the jewellery industry, prized for its durability and brilliant lustre. But even here, its popularity rests on substance as much as style.
Looking Ahead: Platinum and the Energy Transition
As the world pushes towards decarbonisation, platinum is poised for a new chapter. Its potential in hydrogen fuel cell technology is particularly exciting. These cells, which produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, require platinum-based catalysts. This positions the metal at the heart of a potential clean energy revolution.
As founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov highlighted, the ecological transition could dramatically boost global demand for platinum. Hydrogen-powered vehicles, renewable energy storage, and green industrial processes are all sectors in which platinum may play a central role.
The metal’s scarcity adds an extra layer of urgency. With limited global reserves and increasing demand from both traditional and emerging sectors, platinum is likely to become even more strategic in the coming decades.
A Metal Worth Watching
Platinum’s story is far from over. What began as a misunderstood by-product in remote riverbeds has become a linchpin of global industry. It’s a tale of transformation—scientific, economic, and technological.
As industries adapt to environmental challenges and the demand for clean energy grows, platinum will remain a key player in shaping that future. Its rarity, versatility, and unique properties make it not just a precious metal, but a strategic one.
Whether in the engine of a car, a surgeon’s toolkit, or the circuitry of a smartphone, platinum continues to prove that its true value lies not just in its shine, but in its power to change the world.