Iridium is a rare and shiny metal that belongs to the platinum group of elements. It is known for its incredible resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, making it useful in various industrial applications. Iridium is often used in spark plugs for engines and in electrodes for chemical reactions due to its durability. This metal is also found in small amounts in meteorites, which is why it is often associated with space. Iridium is one of the densest elements on Earth, and its unique properties make it valuable in fields like electronics and medicine, where reliability is crucial.