Precious metals are of inestimable value to modern civilization. This article discusses the resources and consumption, trade practices, and special properties of precious metals and its alloys, including ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridium, platinum, and gold, and tabulates the industrial applications of precious metals. It provides information on the commercial forms (wire, rod, sheet, strip, ribbon, and foil) and uses of precious metals, including semifinished products, precious metal powders, industrial uses, coatings, and jewelry.