made in San Francisco to refine the sand or to put it in shape for manufacturing.
The production of platinum in the United States during 1883 is estimated at 200 troy ounces, and in 1884 at 150 troy ounces.
Imports.—The
platinum used in this country comes almost entirely from Eussia,
principally through the agency of Johnson & Mathey, of Covent
Garden, London, who have been for many years the largest re-refiners of
platinum in the world. Occasional importations are also received from
Queunessen, Le Brun, and F. Desmontis et Cie., Paris. A trifling amount
of ore is imported from Buenaventura, South America, and refined, with
other platinum, by Baker & Co., of Newark, New Jersey. The other
dealers either import altogether or manufacture platinum vessels from
plate and scrap. From one-half to three-quarters ©f the importations
consist of platinum ranging from chemically pure to that containing 1
per cent, of other metals. Nearly all of the balance is alloyed with 5
per cent, of iridium, for the purpose of making it harder and more
elastic; while a small proportion contains a little higher percentage
of iridium, ranging as high as 10 per cent, of the latter metal. The
price of refined platinum has risen steadily during 1883 and 1884. In
the early part of 1883 the importers' price was $6.50 to $7.50 per troy
ounce, according to the quantity bought; at the close of 1884 the price
was $7.50 to $8.50. The following table gives the importations from
1867 to 1884:
