Doctor Copper Definition.

Doctor Copper is a nickname given to the metal copper because of its historical role in predicting economic health. The theory is that because copper is used in so many industries, from plumbing to electronics, it is sensitive to changes in economic activity. An increase in copper demand is seen as a sign of an … Read more

Platinum Definition.

Platinum definition: A metal with the chemical element Pt of atomic number 78. Platinum is a white metal, resistant to corrosion, and is used in jewelry and in catalytic converters. What are the 5 platinum metals? The five platinum metals are: -Palladium -Platinum -Rhodium -Iridium -Osmium Palladium, platinum, and rhodium are all members of the … Read more

What Is Bullion?

Bullion is a term that refers to bars, ingots, or coins made of precious metals. The word bullion comes from the French word for melting pot, bouillon. Precious metals are rare metallic chemical elements of high economic value. Chemically, the precious metals tend to be less reactive than most other elements (see noble metal). They … Read more

London Metal Exchange (LME).

The London Metal Exchange (LME) is the world’s largest metal exchange, with a market share of around 80%. It was founded in 1877 and is headquartered in London, England. The LME is a member of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) and offers futures and options contracts for aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, zinc, and … Read more

What Is the Silver Standard?

The silver standard is a monetary system in which the standard economic unit of account is a fixed weight of silver. The silver standard was widespread from the fall of the Byzantine Empire until the twentieth century. A silver standard typically involves the circulation of silver coins, or the issuance of silver bullion in exchange … Read more

Assay Definition.

An assay is a process of testing a sample of ores or minerals to determine the amount of valuable metals it contains. This can be done either in a laboratory or on site, depending on the nature of the sample and the desired level of precision. There are a number of different methods that can … Read more

Base Metals Definition.

Base metals are defined as metals that corrode or tarnish easily, and are not precious metals. The term is typically used to refer to industrial metals such as iron, copper, lead, zinc, and nickel. Where are base metals mined? Base metals are a group of metals that are commonly used in industrial applications. They include … Read more