Worldwide production of iridium is about 7,500 kilograms (16,500 lb). The price is high and varying (see table). Illustrative factors that affect the price include oversupply of Ir crucibles
and changes in LED technology.
Platinum metals occur together as dilute ores. Iridium is one of the rarer platinum metals: for every 190 tonnes of platinum obtained from ores, only 7.5 tonnes of iridium is isolated. To separate the metals, they must first be brought into solution. Two methods for rendering ...