Hafnium is a very dense element (30% heavier than lead!) and familiar to almost nobody. Its usage in pure form, outside of the nascent collectibles/bullion market, is right around zero. We can’t blame the metalsmiths of the world for snubbing hafnium. That super-high density means it is unsuitable for most structural applications in land, sea or air. Its rarity, difficulty and high cost are additional nails in the coffin so to speak. However, those weaknesses are its strength in a way. With a spot price hovering around $150 an ounce it’s already multiples of times more expensive than silver. And compared to silver it is also leagues ahead in terms of hardness and resistance to corrosion; very desirable properties to jewelers.

For now, this semi-precious metal will continue staying out of the limelight where its modest demand goes primarily into the manufacture of fancy alloys able to resist very high temperatures without melting or rusting. You know, things like jet engine parts and maybe, oh, barbeque tongs?

Measures 15x8x0.66mm