Precious Metals by Value Ranking: What You Need to Know

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

When it comes to precious metals by value, many people know that gold and silver are popular options. However, did you know there are other valuable metals available too?

It’s important to understand the different types of precious metals and how their values stack up against each other when investing – which is why we’re ranking the precious metals by value here. If you are interested in investing in precious metals, understanding the different types and their worth is essential 

Why are Precious Metals Valuable? 

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Precious metals are valuable because they are rare and have a wide range of practical uses. Gold and silver, for example, are used in jewelry, currency production, and electronics components. The precious metal palladium is used to create catalytic converters for automobiles.

Platinum is popular for its use in medical applications, and rhodium is used in the automotive industry for its ability to reduce vehicle emissions. While there is no definitive answer as to why these metals are so valuable, their rarity and practical uses certainly contribute to their worth. Now let’s take a look at the different types of precious metals and how they stack up against each other.

Top Valuable Precious Metals By Rank

Gold

As a precious metal renowned for its scarcity, durability, and value, gold has been the currency of choice for centuries. Its enduring worth is evident in coins and jewelry around the world today – but that doesn’t mean it’s still not an attractive investment opportunity! Currently hovering at approximately $1,550 per troy ounce, now may be one of the best times to add this timeless resource to your portfolio. 

You can find white, yellow, and rose gold in both bars and coins. On the other hand, when it comes to the comparison between white gold and silver, white gold tends to be more expensive due to its added alloy. Also, white gold is much more durable than silver, which is why it’s often preferred for use in jewelry and other items that require strength.

Silver

Silver has been used as a form of currency for just as long as gold and is still a popular choice among investors. Silver’s current price is around $18 per troy ounce, making it more accessible than gold. However, it’s still highly sought-after due to its malleability and resistance to corrosion.

Also, it is popularly used in industrial production and electronics, making it a great option for those looking to diversify their portfolio. Silver also has a high liquidity rate, meaning you can exchange it quickly and easily.

Platinum

Platinum is one of the rarest metals on Earth and has a higher melting point than gold or silver, making it an attractive choice for investors. Its current price is around $950 per troy ounce, making it a more expensive option than gold but still more accessible than other precious metals.

A lot of investors are drawn to platinum because it’s resistant to corrosion and non-toxic, making it a great choice for creating jewelry or industrial equipment. It also has a high liquidity rate, so you can easily exchange your investments for cash or other resources if you need to.

Palladium

In recent years, the demand for Palladium has increased dramatically as it is used in catalytic converters and a variety of industrial applications. Notably, this rare metal currently sells at $2,100 per troy ounce – making it more expensive than any other precious metal. You can find palladium in coins and bars, but it is also often used as a catalyst in various chemical processes.

When you compare palladium to gold, it is more expensive but offers a higher return when the price of palladium rises. This makes it a great option for those looking to invest in precious metals, as there’s potential for a greater return on their investment. Those looking for a more balanced portfolio should invest in both gold and palladium.

Rhodium

Rhodium is a rare and valuable metal that is often used in jewelry, electronics, and automotive parts due to its corrosion resistance. Its current price is around $7,800 per troy ounce – making it the second-most expensive of all the precious metals after palladium. It has a high liquidity rate and can be found in coins, bars, and jewelry.

For instance, companies will often use rhodium to make high-end watches because it is durable and can withstand wear and tear better than other metals. The same applies to automotive parts, which often require a metal that is both corrosion-resistant and durable.

Iridium

Iridium is a rare metal that has the highest melting point of all precious metals – making it ideal for industrial applications. Currently, iridium is priced at approximately $1,000 per troy ounce, and it can be found in coins, bars, and jewelry.

Due to its corrosion resistance and high melting point, iridium is often used in everything from aerospace components to spark plugs. It’s also highly sought after for its aesthetic qualities, as it has a silvery-white look. You can also find iridium in medical instruments, dental alloys, and other industrial products.

Ruthenium

Ruthenium, a precious metal valued at around $220 per troy ounce, is often used for its resistance to corrosion and wear in electronics components, automobile parts, jewelry crafting, and more.

This precious metal also has a high melting point and can withstand corrosive chemicals better than other metals. Its malleability makes it a great choice for intricate designs as well. Investing in ruthenium is often seen as a more affordable alternative to investing in palladium or iridium, but its price can still be volatile due to its rarity.

Osmium

Osmium is the rarest of all precious metals and is priced at around $400 per troy ounce. It’s a hard metal that resists corrosion and has a high melting point, making it ideal for industrial applications such as electronic components and automotive parts.

It’s also highly sought after for its aesthetic qualities, as it can be used to create intricate designs in jewelry. Investing in osmium is not as common as investing in other precious metals due to its rarity and high cost, but it may be a good option for those looking for more unique investments with high returns.

Conclusion

When investing in precious metals, it’s important to know the precious metals value, their ranking, understand the different types of metals available as well as their current value. Gold and silver are the two most popular options due to their affordability, but there are also higher-priced metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium available too.

Each type of metal has different properties that make it ideal for certain purposes – so consider your needs before deciding which one to invest in. By doing the research, you can make sure you’re making a sound investment that will pay off in the long run.