Emily Dickinson Lexicon

I-RID'I-UM, n. [from iris.]

A metal of a whitish color, not malleable, found in the ore of platinum, and in a native alloy with osmium. Its specific gravity is above 18. It takes its name from the variety of colors which it exhibits while dissolving in muriatic acid. The native alloy with osmium, or native iridium, is of a steel gray color and shining metallic luster. It usually occurs in small irregular flat grains, in alluvial soil, in South America. Cleaveland. Webster's Manual.