IRIDIUM

Dictionary of Science, Literature and Art · 1842 · p. 23

(Lat. iris, the rainbow, in consequence of the variety of colours exhibited by its solutions.) A metal discovered by Dr. Wollaston, a ociated with the ore of platinum, ft is grey, brittle, very infusible, and Its specific gravity is about 18-6. It forms several oxides and chlorides, and combines readily with carbon. [s. 625]