Atomic properties
Market data
Commercial forms & specifications
| Product Form | Chemical Formula | Molecular Weight | Typical Purity | Price Range (USD/g) | Main Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iridium Sponge/Powder | Ir | 192.22 g/mol | 99.9-99.99% | $180-250 | Catalyst precursor, alloys |
| Iridium Black (Fine Powder) | Ir | 192.22 g/mol | 99.9% | $200-280 | Catalysts, electrodes |
| Iridium Wire | Ir | 192.22 g/mol | 99.9-99.95% | $250-350 | Spark plugs, thermocouples |
| Iridium Sheet/Foil | Ir | 192.22 g/mol | 99.9% | $300-400 | Crucibles, electrodes |
| Iridium Crucibles | Ir | 192.22 g/mol | 99.9% | $350-500 | Crystal growth, high-temp processing |
| Iridium Oxide | IrO₂ | 224.22 g/mol | 99.9% | $220-320 | Electrochromics, electrodes |
| Chloroiridic Acid | H₂IrCl₆·6H₂O | 514.99 g/mol | 99% | $150-200 | Catalyst preparation, plating |
| Ir-Pt Alloy (10% Ir) | Ir₀.₁Pt₀.₉ | 194.74 g/mol avg | 99.95% | $80-120 | Thermocouples, jewelry |
| Ir-Ru Alloy | Variable | Variable | 99.9% | $180-250 | Electrical contacts |
| Iridium Pellets | Ir | 192.22 g/mol | 99.9-99.99% | $200-300 | Sputtering targets, evaporation |
| Iridium Nanoparticles | Ir | 192.22 g/mol | 99.9% | $800-1500 | Catalysis research, sensors |
| Iridium Chloride | IrCl₃ | 298.58 g/mol | 99% | $180-250 | Catalyst precursor |
Suppliers by country
🇿🇦 South Africa
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Anglo American Platinum | Sponge, powder, refined metal | Primary producer from PGM ores, integrated refining |
| Impala Platinum | Sponge, powder, salts | PGM mining and refining, iridium recovery |
| Sibanye-Stillwater | Refined iridium, powder | PGM producer, recycling capabilities |
🇷🇺 Russia
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Norilsk Nickel | Sponge, powder, refined forms | World's largest palladium producer, significant iridium output |
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson Matthey | All forms, compounds, alloys, fabricated products | PGM refining, catalyst manufacture, recycling |
🇩🇪 Germany
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Heraeus | Wire, sheet, crucibles, compounds | High-purity products, custom fabrication |
| BASF (Catalysts Division) | Catalyst-grade powder, compounds | Industrial catalysts, chemical processing |
🇯🇵 Japan
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Tanaka Kikinzoku | Wire, powder, compounds, targets | Electronics applications, high-purity products |
| Furuya Metal | Crucibles, wire, sheet | Ultra-high purity iridium, crystal growth applications |
🇺🇸 United States
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Sabin Metal Corporation | Recycled iridium, refined products | PGM recovery and refining |
| Engelhard (BASF) | Catalyst materials, compounds | Industrial catalysts |
🇨🇳 China
| Company | Product Forms | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Jinchuan Group | Powder, refined metal | PGM refining from nickel operations |
| Sino-Platinum Metals | Compounds, powder, wire | Secondary refining, catalyst recycling |
Market demand by product form
| Application | Annual Demand (kg) | % of Total | Key Regions | Growth Rate (CAGR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Electronics | 3,500 | 42% | Asia (65%), Americas (20%) | 4.8% |
| Chemical/Electrochemical | 2,100 | 25% | Europe (35%), Asia (40%) | 6.2% |
| Spark Plugs | 1,500 | 18% | Japan (40%), USA (25%) | 3.5% |
| Crucibles & Lab Equipment | 750 | 9% | Global distribution | 5.1% |
| Other Industrial | 450 | 6% | Various | 4.0% |
Market trends
Supply Constraints: Limited production capacity with 85% from South Africa and Russia Hydrogen Economy: Growing demand for iridium in PEM electrolyzers for green hydrogen production Price Volatility: Prices fluctuate significantly based on supply disruptions and investment demand Recycling Growth: Increased focus on recovery from spent catalysts and electronic waste Substitution Research: Active R&D to reduce iridium loading in catalysts due to high costs Geopolitical Risks: Supply chain vulnerabilities due to geographic concentration of production Technology Applications: New uses in quantum computing and advanced electronics driving demand
Moles per kilogram
| Product Form | Formula | MW (g/mol) | Moles/kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iridium Metal | Ir | 192.22 | 5.20 |
| Iridium(IV) Oxide | IrO₂ | 224.22 | 4.46 |
| Iridium(III) Chloride | IrCl₃ | 298.58 | 3.35 |
| Chloroiridic Acid (hydrated) | H₂IrCl₆·6H₂O | 514.99 | 1.94 |
| Hexachloroiridate(IV) | (NH₄)₂IrCl₆ | 441.01 | 2.27 |
References
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Coverage notes
The following sections are thin or absent in the source document for this element. They will be filled by enrichment passes (NIST atomic, OSHA/NIOSH safety, USGS / IAI environmental).
- Missing section: Raw Material Sources
- Missing section: Production Cost
- Missing section: Energy Consumption