How is iridium formed?

Answer 1

The element iridium originates in stars. It is not a product of "regular" fusion (stellar nucleosynthesis), but occurs as the other post-iron elements do through a supernova event.

Iridium on earth is rare in the crust of the planet. It is found in meteorites, like the big one that fell in the Yucatan some 65 million years ago. The massive blast scattered an ash layer that can be discovered in many places around the world today. If this sounds familiar, it probably does so because this impact is the cause (all or in part) cited for the erasure of the dinosaur from the chain of life on earth.

Most iridium that we use is recovered as a byproduct of nickel and copper refining. It appears in the muds of the processing tanks for these metals. In nature, it is found in gravel deposits with osmium and platinum ores. About 3 tons is produced per year worldwide with Canada as the primary mining area.

If you'd like more information on this amazing element, use the link below to the Wikipedia post on it.

Answer 2

Iridium is formed through explosive stellar processes like supernova explosions, which scatter heavy elements into space. These elements eventually become part of dust clouds, where they coalesce and form new stars and planets, including Earth. Iridium is relatively rare on Earth's surface, but some believe that its abundance in the planet's crust is due to asteroid impacts during its early formation.

Answer 3

Iridium is found in the Earth's crust and in meteorites. Iridium is more abundant in meteorites.

Answer 4

how should i know i asked the stupid question thats why im on this stinkin website, wiki answers is rubish