{Platinum black} (Chem.), a soft, dull black powder,
consisting of finely divided metallic platinum obtained by
reduction and precipitation from its solutions. It absorbs
oxygen to a high degree, and is employed as an oxidizer.
{Platinum lamp} (Elec.), a kind of incandescent lamp of which
the luminous medium is platinum. See under {Incandescent}.
{Platinum metals} (Chem.), the group of metallic elements
which in their chemical and physical properties resemble
platinum. These consist of the light platinum group, viz.,
rhodium, ruthenium, and palladium, whose specific
gravities are about 12; and the heavy platinum group,
viz., osmium, iridium, and platinum, whose specific
gravities are over 21.
{Platinum sponge} (Chem.), metallic platinum in a gray,
porous, spongy form, obtained by reducing the double
chloride of platinum and ammonium. It absorbs oxygen,
hydrogen, and certain other gases, to a high degree, and
is employed as an agent in oxidizing.