Osmium and its alloys are mainly used as catalysts in the petrochemical industry. In the electrical and electronic industry, it is used for resistors, relays, spark plug electrodes, electrical contacts, thermocouples and printed circuits. In the glass industry, osmium does not contaminate molten glass and can be used as a container liner in the manufacture of optical glass.

Osmium-iridium alloys can be used as bearings in clocks and instruments, and in the manufacture of nibs and styluses. The properties of osmium Osmium is one of the platinum group metals and is grayish-blue in color. High melting point, about 3050 ℃. High density, 22.5 g/cm3. Osmium is not easily machined even at high temperatures and is usually only used as an alloying element. The oxidation resistance of osmium is very poor. In the air, a blue osmium dioxide film is formed on the surface of osmium at room temperature. The interaction of nitric acid with osmium also produces osmium tetroxide. Both of these oxides are volatile toxic compounds that can stimulate stickiness and damage the skin. In nature, osmium and platinum group metals often coexist together.