Palladium is a chemical element with the atomic number 46 and the symbol Pd. Silvery-white and metallic in appearance, palladium belongs to the transition metal series and is often used in alloys that are of great importance to the jewellery industry. The name palladium was given to the precious metal by its discoverer William Hyde Wollaston, whereby the asteroid Pallas was the inspiration. Palladium's properties include the fact that it does not react with oxygen at room temperature, although it is one of the most reactive elements in this group. It always retains its shiny metallic lustre without tarnishing. Only at temperatures above 400°C does palladium turn steel-blue. If the temperature rises further and exceeds 800°C, the surface of the precious metal becomes shiny again and the oxide decomposes. The rare element is not only used in jewellery production, where it is primarily processed in watches, but also in exhaust gas catalytic converters, ultra-fine foils, dental prostheses, in nanotechnology and also in medical instruments. In the field of jewellery, palladium is particularly popular in East Asia.
