We could call tantalum a semi-precious metal based on cost alone as its spot price is usually very close to that of silver. However, it also fills checkmarks in other areas usually reserved for precious metals. It is rare, dense and just about rustproof. In fact, its use in jewelry is becoming more common as its hardness holds shine much longer than gold, silver or platinum while its dark gray color polishes to a beautiful if moody counterpart to silver’s bright.

Although similar in cost to silver its higher price in these new bullion bars is due to the extra difficulty of working with such a tough metal which requires heavier presses and the need for replacing dies that wear out quickly.