platinum-iridium alloy

platinum-iridium alloy

[′plat·ən·əm ə′rid·ē·əm ′al‚ȯi] (metallurgy) An alloy with 1-30% iridium; as concentration of iridium increases, so do hardness, chemical resistance, and melting point; used in jewelry, electrical contacts, and hypodermic needles.