Gold (Au) VS Platinum (Pt)
A definitive side-by-side comparison of two essential element profiles.
VS
Main Differences
Gold (Au) is an element in the transition metals category with an atomic number of 79. Platinum (Pt) is an element in the transition metals category with an atomic number of 78.
Platinum (Pt) is 1.1x denser than Gold (Au). However, Platinum (Pt) melts at a higher temperature than Gold (Au) (a difference of 704.1 Kelvin).
Where do the names come from?
Au Gold (Au) Naming History
The name is the Anglo-Saxon word for the metal and the symbol comes from the Latin ‘aurum’, gold.
Pt Platinum (Pt) Naming History
The name Platinum is derived from the Spanish ''platina'', meaning little silver.
Related Comparisons
Compare
Gold (Au)
Platinum (Pt)
Category
Transition Metals
Transition Metals
Atomic Number
79
78
Symbol
Au
Pt
Atomic Mass
196.967 u
195.084 u
Group
11
10
Period
6
6
Block
d-block
d-block
Standard State (at 20°C)
solid
solid
Density
19.3 g/cm³
21.45 g/cm³
Melting Point (°C)
1064.18°C
1768.2°C
Melting Point (°F)
1947.52°F
3214.8°F
Melting Point (K)
1337.33 K
2041.4 K
Boiling Point (°C)
2836°C
3825°C
Boiling Point (°F)
5137°F
6917°F
Boiling Point (K)
3129 K
4098 K
Year Discovered:
Ancient
1735
CAS Number
7440-57-5
04/06/7440
Origin of Name:
The name is the Anglo-Saxon word for the metal and the symbol comes from the Latin ‘aurum’, gold.
The name is derived from the Spanish ''platina'', meaning little silver.