Iridium Bar
Precious metal prices are subject to fluctuations.
1 ounce Iridium bar in limited edition. MetaMetals bars are shaped in our standardized form. Certified and delivered in full sealed packaging.
- Particularly high purity: Over 99.95%
- Unique product worldwide
- High quality production from Austria
- Weight 31.1g
- Purity > 99.95%
- Secure payments and encrypted connection
- Delivery: 6-8 weeks
Why buy iridium?
Iridium is one of the rarest and most corrosion-resistant metals on Earth. As a platinum group metal with atomic number 77 it plays a critical role in industries ranging from hydrogen electrolysis to aerospace — and global supply is extremely limited.
Unlike gold or silver, iridium cannot be easily stockpiled or recycled at scale. Annual mine production is roughly 7–8 tonnes worldwide, nearly all of it as a byproduct of platinum and nickel mining in South Africa. This supply constraint, combined with growing industrial demand, makes iridium one of the most structurally scarce precious metals available.
For investors and collectors, iridium bars offer direct physical exposure to a metal which has great future prospects due to the R&D work in the hydrogen industry.
Iridium is recovered almost exclusively as a byproduct of platinum mining. At only 7–8 tonnes of annual global production, it is structurally one of the scarcest precious metals — and demand from the hydrogen economy is growing.
How iridium bars are made
Iridium cannot be cast like gold or silver — its melting point exceeds 2,400°C and the metal is extremely brittle, making conventional bar casting nearly impossible. Instead our iridium bars are produced through a specialised sintering process: Pure iridium powder (“iridium mesh”) is compressed under extreme pressure and heat into a dense, uniform bar shape.
This process creates a bar with a characteristic silvery-white, slightly matte surface. The powder is first purified to at least 99.95%, then loaded into precision moulds and pressed at temperatures and pressures that fuse the particles into a solid structure without ever reaching the metal's melting point.
MetaMetals produces all iridium bars in Austria. Our bars are sealed and certified. We guarantee a purity of at least 99.95% and a minimum weight of one ounce.
The matte, characteristic surface of a sintered iridium bar is a hallmark of authentic powder metallurgy and high purity — not a quality defect.
Iridium vs. other platinum group metals
Each platinum group metal serves different industrial needs and investment profiles. Iridium stands out for its extreme corrosion resistance and critical role in hydrogen production.
| Property | Iridium | Osmium | Rhodium | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 22.56 | 22.59 | 12.41 | 21.45 |
| Melting point | 2,446°C | 3,033°C | 1,963°C | 1,768°C |
| Key strength | Most corrosion-resistant | Densest natural element | Highest reflectance | Most widely traded PGM |
| Annual production | ~7–8 t | <1 t | ~30 t | ~190 t |
| Bar form | Sintered | Sintered | Sintered | Cold forged |
| At MetaMetals | ✓ | ✓ (bars + crystals) | ✓ | Via set only |
For a detailed comparison of all precious metals, see our precious metals comparison.
Did you know?
MetaMetals is developing a marketplace where we want to establish tradeability for iridium bars. Currently in development.
Learn more about the MetaMetals marketplaceWhy iridium is so valuable
The value of iridium is driven by the intersection of extreme scarcity and irreplaceable industrial demand.
Hydrogen electrolysis: Iridium is essential for PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolysis — one of the leading technologies for green hydrogen production. As countries invest billions in hydrogen infrastructure, demand for iridium is expected to grow significantly.
Spark plugs & automotive: Iridium-tipped spark plugs last up to four times longer than conventional spark plugs. The automotive industry consumes a significant share of annual iridium production.
Aerospace & electronics: Iridium alloys are used in satellite components, jet engine parts, and high-performance electrical contacts where extreme durability is required.
Unlike gold, whose value is primarily monetary, iridium's price is anchored in real industrial consumption. When supply tightens — as it did in 2021 when iridium briefly traded above $6,000/oz — the price response can be dramatic.
Rising demand for green hydrogen could multiply iridium consumption in the coming decades. With supply extremely limited, analysts see significant upside potential for physical iridium.
Are iridium bars safe?
Sintered iridium bars are non-toxic and safe for direct skin contact. Iridium metal is chemically inert and does not react with skin, water, or air under normal conditions.
Only iridium in fine powder form poses a risk — it is highly flammable and can irritate the respiratory tract if inhaled. The sintering process compresses the powder into a solid bar, eliminating any dust or powder hazard. All MetaMetals iridium bars are fully processed and certified safe.
Iridium bar certificate of authenticity
Every iridium bar from MetaMetals comes with a digitally signed PDF certificate of authenticity confirming: Purity (minimum 99.95%), a minimum weight in grams (31.1g), unique serial number, and production origin (sintered in Austria).
The certificate is provided in digital form with every order and can be independently verified.
PDF certificate of authenticity
Digitally signed certificate confirming purity, weight, serial number, and origin for every bar.
Serial numbers
Every bar is individually numbered and fully traceable from production to the customer.
Insured shipping
Full insurance from our warehouse to your door, with tracking on every order.
EU consumer protection
As an Austrian company, we are subject to strict EU consumer protection laws.
Discover more about iridium bars
Want to learn more about iridium? Our comprehensive iridium information page offers detailed information on physical properties, industrial applications, deposits, and the history of this fascinating precious metal.
Explore other precious metals
Find answers to the most frequent questions here.
Why buy iridium bars from MetaMetals?
- Certified iridium bars
- Digitally signed PDF certificate of authenticity
- Secure payment: card, PayPal, bank transfer & more
- Insured shipping from Austria
- Purity minimum 99.95%
- Austrian precious metals dealer
- EU consumer protection laws apply
- Personal support via email, phone & chat
Explore other precious metals
Contents
Buy iridium bars?
Certified 1 oz bars, sintered in Austria, with certificate of authenticity.
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