What is a noble metal ?

The nobility of a metal is determined according to its resistance. We are not talking here about the hardness or mechanical resistance of the material, but about its resistance to oxidation and corrosion. Thus, a noble metal is one that does not alter in contact with water, air and acids, unlike metals such as iron or manganese.

Most noble metals, however, can be dissolved by mixtures of acids, such as aqua regia (mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid). Only iridium and silver resist aqua regia, although the latter is altered in the sole presence of nitric acid.

It should also be noted that noble metals can be subject to scratches, that they do not all have the same level of heat resistance and that some can tarnish over time (e.g. the case of silver metal). Despite their nobility, they therefore deserve the greatest care and appropriate maintenance, so that they retain their properties, their splendor and their market value.

The classification of noble metals into 8 categories is as follows:

• gold;
• money;
• platinum;
• iridium;
• palladium;
• rhodium;
• ruthenium;
• osmium.

Although they are all recognized for their nobility, all of these elements (all appearing in the periodic table) do not have exactly the same properties.

Malleability, tarnish resistance, melting point, color, shine and other characteristics make them very different metals from each other!

Note: other materials, although not falling within the strict definition of noble metals, are sometimes added to this list or considered “semi-noble”. This includes, for example, mercury, rhenium and even copper.

Since they resist corrosion and oxidation, noble metals are highly sought after in many sectors of activity. Goldsmithing, electronics, monetary issues, dental products, the automobile industry: these are all examples of areas in which noble metals have been used, some for several centuries, even millennia.

Beyond their resistance, they can also be appreciated for their aesthetics and their shine. This is why we find noble metals such as gold, silver or even platinum in jewelry, for the creation of works of art, in tableware, etc. 

A noble metal can be used as is, or alloyed with another metal. This is for example the case of gold vermeil (precious metal combining solid silver and a layer of gold) or the solidification of platinum by combining it with rhodium or iridium. By mixing these various noble metals together, we are able to combine their properties to obtain materials that meet specific needs.
We can also use noble metals in small proportions with other, non-noble metals from the periodic table, to provide an aesthetic aspect or better resistance. Let us cite in particular the case of gold plating, which consists of covering a copper or brass base with a thin layer of gold. This obviously does not allow you to obtain the same properties as pure gold, but allows you to get closer to its appearance at a lower cost.

Saying that a metal is noble does not mean that it is precious. The preciousness of a metal is of course assessed according to its various properties (unalterability, hardness, conductivity, density, ductility, etc.), but also depending on its rarity and the resulting market value. The definition of a precious metal can therefore evolve over the centuries, depending on its availability, mining discoveries, its uses, the level of demand, etc. 

Nowadays, we can consider 4 raw metals as precious: gold, silver, platinum and palladium. In addition to being used as raw materials for various purposes, they are popular with investors. Precious metals are indeed safe havens and tangible products in which to invest. 

Other metals are defined as “semi-precious”, without falling into the category of noble metals. This is for example the case of titanium, nickel, aluminum and copper. They are less rare and less expensive than precious metals, but nonetheless remain in high demand, which contributes to their valuation on the market.

Not all noble metals are rare and reliable enough to be good investments! This is why it is preferable, to diversify and secure your assets, to concentrate on precious metals. 

The purchase of gold and silver remains the best option for building up savings. These are indeed reliable metals, long recognized as safe values ​​on an international scale. Their scarcity also makes them good investments in the medium and long term, with a low risk of loss. You can acquire them in various forms, such as ingots, ingots, coins, medals, etc. Precious metals can also be found in other forms, not intended specifically for investment, but considered collectibles. More than their intrinsic value in pure gold or silver, it is also their historical value and their condition which influence their price and its potential for growth over the years to come.