Specific weight of osmium, properties, production and value table
Osmium is a chemical element and a transition metal of the platinum group. In compact form it is a shiny silvery-white metal with a bluish tint. Osmium is one of the densest known metals and is close to iridium by this indicator.
In industry, osmium is obtained during processing of platinum-group metal raw materials. Because of its rarity, high cost and chemical features, it is used in limited but technically important areas.
Table of osmium specific weight
Osmium is a complex and rare metal, so its exact physical parameters are determined from reference data and laboratory measurements. The average density of osmium is about 22.61 g/cm3. This means that 1 m3 of osmium weighs approximately 22610 kg.
| Material | Specific weight (g/cm3) | Weight of 1 m3 (kg) |
| Osmium | 22.61 | 22610 |
Properties of osmium
Osmium is very hard, dense and brittle. It is difficult to machine because of its high hardness and brittleness. The melting point of osmium is about 3033 °C, and its boiling point is about 5012 °C. The metal is paramagnetic.
In compact form, osmium is fairly resistant to many acids and alkalis, but in powder form and when heated it reacts more actively. An important feature of osmium is its ability to form volatile and toxic osmium tetroxide. Therefore, work with osmium compounds requires strict safety precautions.
Osmium has no known biological role in living organisms. Some of its compounds are toxic, especially osmium tetroxide.
Production of osmium
In nature, osmium is usually associated with other platinum-group metals, especially iridium. It is obtained as a by-product of processing platinum raw materials. After separation of components, osmium is additionally purified chemically and reduced to the metallic state.
Applications of osmium
Osmium is used in limited areas because of its rarity and cost. Main applications include:
- use in wear-resistant and superhard alloys with iridium, ruthenium and other platinum-group metals;
- use in special contacts, tips and parts where high hardness and wear resistance are important;
- use of some osmium compounds as catalysts;
- use of osmium tetroxide in electron microscopy for fixation and contrasting of biological samples;
- scientific and laboratory research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the density of osmium be used for precise calculations?
The density and weight values for osmium in this article are reference values. They are suitable for preliminary estimates, but design, construction, production and other critical calculations should be checked against standards, material datasheets or measurement results.
Why can the actual weight of osmium differ from the table?
The actual weight of osmium depends on composition, moisture, temperature, porosity, fraction size, material grade and measurement conditions. Because of this, real values may differ from the average table data.
How do you calculate the mass of osmium from density?
For an approximate calculation, use the formula: mass = density × volume. If the density of osmium is given in kg/m³ and the volume is in m³, the result will be in kilograms.