Palladium:
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Palladium is used as an alternative to gold in making various devices as it is highly malleable and resistant to corrosion.
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It is considered to be softer than gold, but is much harder and more durable than gold.
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Palladium gives more protection against an impact and a greater resistance to denting.
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Russia and South Africa are the two largest producers of palladium.
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Palladium is used in nearly all electronic devices and the metal is a key to make chipsets and circuit boards. It is used to make Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCCs), which are important to make smartphone screens, stereo systems, and power circuit breakers.
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Why in news? Possible shortage due to Ukraine-Russia conflict.