Discovered : known to native South Americans before Columbus arrived, and first taken to Europe in about 1750 Origin : The name is derived from the Spanish ‘platina’, meaning silver. Description : A silvery metal as resistant to corrosion and tarnishing as gold. It is almost as rare and consequently is likewise highly valued and used in jewellery. It is also used in the chemicals industry as a catalyst, in medicine as an anti-cancer drug, and in catalytic converters for car exhausts. Image : Platinum used by the Maya in jewellery. See also Alchemical Symbols.