In the case of private purchases of goods from the secondary market, the Osmium Institute for the marketing and certification of osmium is the only and proven place where the authenticity of crystalline osmium can and may be confirmed.

For post-certification, a surface scan of the crystalline osmium is used, which is matched with the corresponding database entries of the Osmium World Database.

Using the Osmium Identification Code, each purchaser can download the original 2D HDR scan from the www.osmium-identification-code.com site, with which their photogrphic image of the piece being purchased can be compared.

If the photographic quality does not appear to be sufficient for your own verification, we request that you create a surface scan and send it to info@osmium-analysis.com, citing the OIC of the piece. The lab will usually confirm authenticity and match within one business day. This work is performed free of charge.

If desired or in case of doubt, the piece itself can be sent in to be subjected to post-certification in the laboratory. There is a charge for this work.

Crystalline Osmium documentation includes the following data:

• Unit number, OIC
  
• property code, OCC
  
• basic geometry of the shape
  
• chemical purity in ppm or percent (minimum 99.9995%) 5N5
  
• Type of impurity: Platinum, Tantalum
  
• Frontal image top view in 2D HDR
  
• 3D false color elevation scan
  
• side views for round bodies
• multiple views for 3D bodies
• weight to 0.001 g accuracy for weights up to 10 grams total weight
• weight to 0.01 g for weights over 10 grams total weight with four valid digits
• special features of the piece in the text
• personal wishes of the client for special pieces

The authenticity of osmium depends primarily, of course, on whether 99.9995 percent of the product consists of crystalline osmium. The major part of the residual impurity is usually platinum, which the platinum metal osmium is extracted with.

In the process of osmium extraction, the osmium is separated from the platinum ore.

The chemical authenticity of osmium is confirmed in the certificate. However, there are also many characteristics that already confirm the authenticity on the basis of visual appearance.

For example, the crystal structure of the surface of each piece of crystalline osmium is absolutely clear and it is uniquely identified by scan. In addition, a density test can provide simple proof that it is osmium, since no heavier metal exists.

Moreover, experts immediately recognize osmium by its unique bluish-silver luster.

In the context of a private sale, it is always necessary for the customer to obtain the certificate of authenticity and have it confirmed by the Osmium Institute or to perform verification via the Osmium World Database.