Palladium is a metallic element. It has a bright silvery luster. This rare, grayish element is less dense, a little harder, and more easily oxidized, than platinum. It is found in platinum, nickel and copper ores.
Pure palladium is used in the manufacture of mirrors and watch springs. It is also used in alloys with gold, platinum, and silver. These alloys are used for jewelry, dental equipment, picture frames, pocketbook trim, and scientific instruments.
Palladium (symbol Pd) has atomic number 46. It has an atomic weight of 106.4 (unchanged from oxygen). It was discovered in 1804 by William Wollaston.
