What explains the very high density of osmium and iridium?

Asked Dec 14 '15 at 14:01

Active Dec 14 '15 at 14:03

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Iridium with a density of $22.56$ g cm^-3 & osmium with $22.59$ g cm^-3. Data from their respective Wikipedia pages.

Only these two naturally occurring elements have such a high density. I wish to know why. Also If possible the factors affecting the density of any/every elemental substance.

edited Dec 14 '15 at 14:03

M.A.R.

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asked Dec 14 '15 at 14:01

user23832

Welcome to chemistry.SE! If you had any questions about the policies of our community, please ‎visit the help center. – M.A.R. Dec 14 '15 at 14:03
Well, by definition, at least one element will be the densest. So you are asking why particular elements adopt a close-packed crystal structure (various reasons) and have heavy nuclei. I'm not sure that there is a 'simple' explanation for that. – Jon Custer Dec 14 '15 at 14:25
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The reasons behind osmium's density are explained here – ron Dec 14 '15 at 14:26

What explains the very high density of osmium and iridium?

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