PLATINUM 299 



lectcd and wliich var}' widely in Ihoir contents of pure plat- 

 inum. In addition to the plalinuni product of 19U2, 20 fine 

 ounces of iridium were obtained. In 1901 the corresponding 

 product was 253 ounces of iridium. 



Of the total production of platinum in the world, about 

 90 per cent comes from Russia, with the remainder divided 

 among Colombia, South America ; New South Wales, Australia ; 

 the United States, and Crmada. The average annual product 

 in Russia was 104,023.6 ounces for the ten years 1881 to 

 1890, inclusive, and 183,376 ounces for the eleven j^ears 1891 

 to 1901, inclusive. 



Since the close of 1899 th e price of platinum has steadily 

 increased, reaching its maximum value in January, 1902, 

 when the price in New York was $20 to $21 per ounce for 

 ingot platinum. The price fell to $19.50 in February, and 

 m June to $19. Osmiridium is quoted at from $6 to $10 

 per ounce. This gradual increase in the price of platinum 

 during the last ten 3'ears is due to the fact that there has been 

 found no metal or allo}^ which will take the place of platinum, 

 and also to the fact that there is such a limited supply and 

 increased demand. 



