Pd vs. Pt - While Pallidium Pd is not currently useful for diesel catalysts, and Platinum Pt, there is considerable work being done to find a way to use Pd.
Palladium Pd has about the same atomic radius as Pt (maye 15% smaller), but having a nucleus which is much lighter -
Atomic weights
Pd 106
Pt 195
So you get about 83% more atoms with Pd.
The number of troy ounces for the same number of atoms of Pd will be only 55% of the number of Pt troy ounces.
If you need the same thickness for a coating, you will need to use about 15% more atoms.
That would mean the troy ounces you need would be about 64% of a coating of Pd.
Today's prices - Palladium $317 troy ounce, Platinum $1252.
This is about a 4:1 difference.
Minning prodution of Palladium and Platinum is about the same, with maybe soem more Palladium production than Platinum.
Above ground stores, bullion, available scrap from labware, old auto catalysts, etc. is almost all Platinum.
The basis economics tend to favor Palladium, but Platinum is MUCH better known, and people are willing to buy it and expect a price higher than gold.
The are other issues with Russians gaming the market, and some overhang from Ford Motor's massive palladium stock and long term supply deals.
You may want to consider a Palladium weighting in addition to Gold, Silver, and Platinum. |
