Osmium (Os): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Osmium is element 76 on the periodic table, a transition metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DOsmium quick facts
| Atomic number | 76 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Os |
| Atomic mass | 190.23 |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 8, period 6 |
| Block | d-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁶ 6s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 14, 2 |
| Discovered | 1804, Tennant |
What is osmium used for?
- Fountain pen tip alloys
- Electrical contact alloys
- Biological staining (OsO₄)
Interesting facts about osmium
- Osmium is the densest element of all. 22.59 g/cm³ (a cube 6.7 cm on each side weighs about 6.8 kg)
- Osmium tetroxide (OsO₄) smells unpleasant and is highly toxic. Stains biological tissue
- Named after the Greek "osme" meaning smell. Osmium tetroxide has a distinctive odour
Osmium was discovered in 1804 by Tennant in Britain.
Where osmium sits on the periodic table
Osmium is in group 8, period 6. Tap any element to open its page.
Other transition metals
Osmium questions
What is the atomic number of osmium?
Osmium has atomic number 76, so every osmium atom has 76 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Os and its atomic mass is 190.23.
Is osmium a metal?
Osmium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 8, period 6.
What is the electron configuration of osmium?
The electron configuration of osmium is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁶ 6s². Its electrons sit in 6 shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 14, 2.
What is osmium used for?
Osmium is used for fountain pen tip alloys, electrical contact alloys and biological staining (oso₄).
Who discovered osmium?
Osmium was discovered in 1804 by Tennant in Britain.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.