If you think gold tops the list of the most valuable metals globally, you’re in for a surprise. There are others that are much more expensive, with significantly higher market values in various cultures.
But what metals are these? What characteristics make them more precious? Regarding their availability, are they more accessible or scarce? What purposes are these metals used for?
If you’re curious about the subject, read on as Insight Factory has compiled an exclusive list with more details about the top three money-making metals worldwide. Check it out!
What makes one metal more precious than another?
Precious metals have fascinated humanity for centuries, not just for their shimmering beauty but also for their intrinsic value.
Their unique properties, beauty, and, of course, value, have led these earthly treasures to play fundamental roles in trade, culture, and even the formation of empires.
But what makes one metal more valuable than another? Well, it’s essentially their physical and chemical properties, such as durability, corrosion resistance, and rarity.
Moreover, their value is also associated with their use, including industrial applications, in jewelry, and as investments.
Top 3 most valuable metals in the world
Have you ever wondered about the most valuable metals globally? The answer might surprise you…
Gold, often considered the most valuable metal, is at the bottom of our list, despite being revered in various cultures worldwide.
Here’s an updated list of the most precious metals globally, where we’ll show you the reasons behind their global appreciation!
1. Rhodium
Rhodium is the most valuable metal in the world, priced at about $144 per gram. It’s found in the Earth’s crust at a concentration of just 0.000037 parts per million.
Its main feature is being a silver-white metal, highly resistant to corrosion and wear.
For this reason, rhodium is mainly used in automotive catalysts, where it helps convert polluting gases into less harmful substances.
Additionally, it’s used in jewelry coatings for a lasting shine and a bright white color, and in medicine for implants, as it’s biocompatible.
Rhodium’s scarcity contributes to its status as one of the most valuable metals, as limited mining and constant demand keep its value high.
2. Platinum
Platinum is the second most valuable metal in the world, priced at about $85 per gram. It’s found in the Earth’s crust at a concentration of just 0.0005 parts per million.
Its characteristic is being a silver-white metal with a distinct metallic luster, used in a wide variety of applications, including jewelry, electronics, medicine, and industry.
In jewelry, platinum is considered the most noble precious metal, being rarer and more valuable than gold due to its durability and beauty. In medicine, platinum is used in cancer drugs, as it’s toxic to cancer cells.
3. Gold
Gold is the most well-known and widely used precious metal and currently ranks third on the list of the world’s most valuable metals.
It’s found in the Earth’s crust at a concentration of just 0.0013 parts per million, being a bright yellow metal with high density, used in jewelry, coins, electronics, and other products.
Its beauty, durability, and rarity have made it a symbol of wealth and status in jewelry for thousands of years. It’s also used in coins, as it’s a valuable and durable metal.
But beyond its history as a symbol of wealth in different cultures, gold is also seen as a store of value in modern times.
Investors see it as a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty, while its use in electronics highlights its importance in industrial sectors.
Did you like learning about the world’s most valuable metals?
The world’s most valuable metals transcend their monetary value. They have deep roots in history, culture, and the global economy.
Gold, platinum, and rhodium are not just solid investments but also essential components for modern innovations.
By understanding the history and significance of these precious metals, we gain a deeper appreciation for how they continue to shape our world, not just as financial assets but as true treasures of the earth!