According to the chart above, Palladium is a 4.75 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale and gold is a 2.5 (diamonds are a 10). The harder something is, means the more durable it is. The more durable a metal is, the more scratch resistant it is. Therefore, palladium is more scratch resistant than white gold.
Palladium does have its negative side, though. It used to be far cheaper than platinum, but the rare metal is now more expensive than almost all other precious metals. Also, many jewelers choose not to work with palladium because of its brittleness when not properly handled.
Durability. Both platinum and palladium are extremely durable and will last for generations. While platinum will hold up better against impacts that might dent your ring, palladium is more resistant to scratches.
As you can see, diamonds get a perfect “10” for being the hardest and most scratch-resistant material on earth, which means nothing can scratch it except another diamond. Tungsten is the hardest and most scratch-resistant metal, but nonmetals such as diamonds, sapphires and other hard crystals can still scratch it.
Nitric acid can be used to perform a quick test to differentiate between palladium and silver. Palladium won't react to nitric acid, whereas silver will oxidize and turn a light brown color. It's important to remember to always use protective gloves and eyewear when working with any type of acid.
Procedure-To 5 ml of a feebly acid solution add 4 or 5 drops of the P-nitrosodiphenyl- amine reagent. Development of a red-to-purple colour indicates the presence of palladium. If the colour is masked by that of the solution itself, extract with 5ml of ethyl acetate or chloroform.
Key Takeaways. Palladium is a shiny metal used in many electronic and industrial products. Along with platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium, the metal is part of a group known as platinum group metals.
Diamond: Natural
Diamond has the highest value of scratch hardness, i.e., 10 on the Mohs scale. It is the hardest known material and will scratch all others.
Cons: Palladium is actually much more expensive than platinum weight for weight but due to the lower density less is required to produce the same item of jewellery; therefore a palladium wedding band or ring mount traditionally would cost less than its platinum counterpart.
Diamonds remain the most scratch-resistant material known to humanity. Metals like titanium are far less scratch-resistant, and even extremely hard ceramics or tungsten carbide cannot compete with diamonds in terms of hardness or scratch-resistance.
Palladium is a precious metal that can create jewelry, electronics, and even automotive catalytic converters! It is very similar to platinum and often used in jewelry as an alternative to white gold or platinum because it's generally more affordable than both.
Palladium is Rare
Plus, restrictive environmental policies limiting the extraction and mining of the metal have further constricted global supplies. Palladium's relative rarity makes it a valuable investment option when used to strategically diversify a Precious Metals portfolio.
Palladium's most incredible ability is that it can absorb up to 900 times its volume of hydrogen, according to the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. Because of this ability, palladium is used to store and filter hydrogen.
Unlike gold and silver, which can be molded and shaped by hand, both platinum and palladium are relatively brittle.
The metal used for palladium and platinum rings doesn't wear off when scratched. Instead, it simply moves around on the band. This means that palladium and platinum rings won't wear down over time, as can happen with a gold wedding band.
Unlike white gold, palladium's naturally bright 'white' colour will not fade over time or need re-plating. Its colour will last forever. Palladium has the look and durability of platinum.
The metal is also resistant to corrosion and is unlikely to tarnish when it's exposed to the air. You can even wear most palladium jewelry in the shower without fearing the items will become discolored.
Palladium Is More Valuable than Gold & Silver
It also tops platinum when it comes to current market value. On average, prices for palladium rings today are around $2,000, according to Brides.com.
Corrosion resistant: Palladium is about as resistant to corrosion as gold, with a natural resistance against oxidation. Though not completely resistant to all elements, palladium's resistance to most corrosive forces provides much needed protection against weather and friction.
Materials such as iron or glass that cannot be easily scratched or compressed are called hard materials.
Scratch-resistant acrylic/polycarbonate is a great alternative to standard materials when you are using it in areas where you want to avoid scratches and need to maintain appearance.
Gold is very soft. On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, it rates the same as a fingernail, a 2.5 out of 10. It is not very scratch resistant, and it is also prone to warping if put under pressure. This metal is the least scratch resistant on the list.
Palladium vs Platinum Durability
Palladium is a harder metal than platinum, which means a palladium ring is harder to scratch compared to a platinum ring.
Palladium in Jewellery
Its lightweight feel makes it an excellent choice for those who are not used to wearing jewellery and, unlike white gold, palladium will not tarnish over time. It is becoming one of the most popular metals used for wedding jewellery – especially in engagement and wedding rings.
If your jewelry is gold, silver, platinum, palladium, stainless steel, or titanium, you're safe to shower with it. Other metals like copper, brass, bronze, or other base metals shouldn't go in the shower as they can turn your skin green.