Iridium price index

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Iridium Price Index

This post is a summary of the Iridium price developments. The price developments of Iridium are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Iridium price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for Iridium prices is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Iridium prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Iridium 
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Iridium prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Iridium market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further sources of information on the Iridium price chart

What is iridium

Iridium is a chemical element with the symbol Ir and atomic number 77. It belongs to the platinum group of elements, which also includes platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, and osmium. Iridium is a dense, lustrous, and corrosion-resistant metal. It is one of the rarest elements in the Earth’s crust and is often found in combination with platinum and other metals.

Here are some key characteristics and uses of iridium:

Density

Iridium is known for its exceptionally high density, making it one of the densest naturally occurring elements.

Corrosion Resistance

Iridium is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making it useful in various industrial applications, particularly in the production of electrical contacts, spark plugs, and crucibles for high-temperature applications.

Alloys

Iridium is often alloyed with other metals, such as platinum and osmium, to enhance their properties. For example, an alloy of iridium and platinum is used in the manufacture of standard weights and measures.

Spark Plugs

Iridium is commonly used in the production of spark plugs for internal combustion engines due to its high melting point and durability.

Space Exploration

Iridium is used in certain components of spacecraft and satellites because of its resistance to extreme temperatures and radiation.

Jewelry

Iridium has been used in jewelry, typically as an alloy with platinum or other precious metals, to increase durability and resistance to wear.

Scientific Research

Iridium is used in various scientific instruments, including X-ray detectors and electrodes for analytical chemistry.

Iridium gained significant attention in the late 20th century with the development of the Iridium satellite constellation, a network of communication satellites that provide global satellite phone and data services. These satellites were named after the element due to their vast coverage of the Earth, similar to how iridium is distributed widely in the Earth’s crust.

How is Iridium produced

Iridium is primarily produced as a byproduct of platinum mining and refining. The production process for iridium involves several steps:

Mining

Iridium is found in nature in association with other platinum group metals, such as platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, and osmium. These metals are often extracted from ore deposits in regions where they are naturally occurring, such as South Africa, Russia, and Canada. The mining process typically involves the extraction of ore from underground mines.

Concentration

After mining, the ore is crushed and milled to produce a concentrate that contains a mixture of platinum group metals, including iridium.

Smelting

The concentrate is then subjected to a smelting process, where it is heated to high temperatures in a furnace. This process separates the various metals based on their different melting points. Iridium, along with the other platinum group metals, forms a metallic alloy known as “matte” during smelting.

Refining

The matte produced in the smelting process is further processed through a refining process to separate the individual platinum group metals. This is often done using a combination of chemical and physical methods, including solvent extraction and precipitation.

Solvent Extraction

Solvent extraction is a common method used to separate iridium from other platinum group metals. It involves using organic solvents to selectively extract iridium into a separate solution.

Precipitation

After solvent extraction, iridium is usually precipitated from the solution by adding chemicals that cause it to form solid iridium compounds. These compounds are then further processed to obtain pure iridium metal.

Final Refining

The final refining steps involve heating the iridium compounds to high temperatures, often in the presence of oxygen, to convert them back into pure iridium metal. This is typically done in an electric arc furnace.

Forming into Products

Once pure iridium metal is obtained, it can be formed into various products, such as wires, sheets, rods, or pellets, depending on its intended use.

It’s important to note that iridium is a relatively rare element, and its production quantities are much lower compared to more common metals like iron or copper. As a result, the production of iridium is relatively limited, and it is considered one of the rarest naturally occurring elements on Earth

What drives the cost of Iridium

The price of iridium, like many commodities and rare metals, is influenced by a combination of supply and demand factors. Several key factors that drive the price of iridium include:

Supply Constraints

Iridium is one of the rarest elements on Earth, and its production is limited. Most of the world’s iridium comes as a byproduct of platinum mining and refining. Any disruptions in the supply chain, such as labor strikes, geological challenges in mining, or geopolitical factors affecting mining regions, can impact the supply of iridium.

Demand from Industrial Applications

Iridium has several industrial applications, including its use in spark plugs, electrical contacts, high-temperature crucibles, and in the aerospace industry. The demand for these applications can vary depending on economic conditions, technological advancements, and the overall health of the industries using iridium.

Technology Advancements

Changes in technology can influence the demand for iridium. For example, advancements in fuel efficiency in automobiles may reduce the demand for iridium in spark plugs, while increased satellite communication and aerospace activities could increase demand for iridium in aerospace applications.

Currency Exchange Rates

The price of iridium is often quoted in U.S. dollars. Exchange rate fluctuations can affect the cost of iridium for buyers in other currencies. A weaker U.S. dollar can make iridium more expensive for buyers in other countries.

Investor Sentiment

As with many commodities, investor sentiment and speculative trading can influence the price of iridium. Investors may buy and sell iridium as a hedge against inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, or as part of a diversified portfolio.

Global Economic Conditions

The overall health of the global economy can impact the demand for industrial applications of iridium. During periods of economic growth, industries that use iridium may expand, leading to increased demand. Conversely, during economic downturns, demand may decrease.

Regulatory Changes

Environmental regulations or changes in trade policies can affect the production and use of iridium. Stricter regulations on emissions in the automotive industry, for example, could influence the demand for iridium in catalytic converters.

Geopolitical Factors

Political instability or trade disputes involving countries that are major producers or consumers of iridium can disrupt the supply chain and lead to price fluctuations.

Due to its limited supply and diverse industrial applications, the price of iridium can be quite volatile, and it is subject to fluctuations based on the interplay of these factors. It’s important to note that while iridium is a valuable and rare metal, its price can be influenced by a wide range of economic, technological, and geopolitical factors.

How big is the Iridium market