Uses of Osmium
The discovery of Osmium
Basic Information
Obtaining Osmium
Uses Today
Sources
Image sources: Meridian Labs and Trice Pens.com
Because of the toxic gas, Osmium tetroxide, that forms from the powdered and spongey forms of osmium, osmium is used chiefly as an alloy. It is especially alloyed with platinum and iridium. The extremely hard alloy that is produced is used in fountain pen tips, ballpoint pen tips, instrumental pivots, phonographic needles, electrical contacts, and as a filament in electrical lights. One platinum-osmium (90-10) alloy is used in implants such as pacemakers or replacement valves.
The compound, Osmium tetroxide, is sometimes used for forensic purposes to detect fingerprints. The compound is also used to stain fatty tissue for microscope slides.