Overview
Osmium is an extremely dense, hard transition metal in the platinum group with limited but specialized industrial uses.
Properties
It has high density, hardness and forms volatile and toxic osmium tetroxide under oxidizing conditions.
Occurrence and Uses
Used in fountain pen nibs, electrical contacts, instrument pivots and specialized alloys; handled carefully due to toxic oxide formation.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotopes include Os 184 to Os 192; osmium tetroxide is highly toxic and requires strict containment and safety protocols.