As children, we all started writing with pencils. In middle school, we began using fountain pens.
We were dissuaded from using a biro or a ballpoint pen because our parents and teachers said we would spoil our handwriting. Only the elders used such pens.
The nib is usually made of stainless steel or gold.
But it needs a hard and smooth material at the tip, so that it lasts longer at the same time, improves the writing experience. To achieve that objective, the chemical element osmium is added to the material.
Though osmium nibs offer a consistent and smooth writing experience for many years, the element is very expensive and scarce. So, it is not widely used nowadays.
Osmium is a chemical element with the symbol Os and atomic number 76.
It has a very high melting point of 3,033 degrees Celsius, which is higher than that of most metals.
Osmium alloys are also used for making electrical contacts, spark plugs, surgical instruments, etc.
Osmium emits X-rays when bombarded with electrons. So, it is also used to produce high-resolution images of bones, tissues and organs.
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Fountain pen image from Pixabay
The information provided in this post has been obtained from multiple, authentic resources. However, it is presented in an abridged format and might not have all the details. Therefore, before acting on any information, readers are requested to exercise caution and do further research.
This post is a part of #BlogchatterA2Z 2023. I am also on A2Z April Challenge.
Wow, fountain pens. I have never used one. We went from pencils to ball points. You have to go out of your way here to find a fountain pen (and I don't think any of us would know how to work one, anyway).
ReplyDeleteYes, it's rare nowadays, though a colleague of mine uses it at work.
DeleteMy wife received a fountain pen as a gift recently. Now we will be familiar with osmium!
ReplyDeleteHi Tomi - Fountain pen is indeed a good gift.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteI have had so many fountain pens over the years - but never knew about the Osmium at their tips! YAM xx
Hi Yami - A good example of how little-known elements are a part of our daily lives.
DeleteJamie (jannghi.blogspot.com):
ReplyDeleteI could never have handled using a fountain pen. Or a pencil that where you have to place those thin things inside. Too much work!
Hi Jamie - Yes, fountain pens can be a hassle. Especially, filling the ink part.
DeleteI'm afraid fountain pens did not improve my writing.
ReplyDeleteHi Andrew, now, with computers and very little actual writing, my handwriting has gone from bad to worse!
DeleteThe fountain pen made you feel like a royal. The entire upkeep of it...from filling in the ink, having a separate case for it..memories!!
ReplyDeleteHi Careena - Yes, indeed, it was a whole long process. All in memories now!
DeleteI have a fine collection of fountain pens and it is one of the joys of life to use one every day. My handwriting, however, is execrable!
ReplyDeleteIt's very nice that you have fountain pens. I had one, which I used to write with. But no longer. I use the ball pen. Needless to say, ever since I began using the computer for all writing purposes, my handwriting has gone bad!
DeleteHave used fountain pens for long time, and still is my favourite, though used less. Thanks for this piece of knowledge... Interesting! 766/77
ReplyDeleteHi Pradeep - This was a surprise! Thanks for dropping by. And thanks for leaving your roll number. Or else, I would have been clueless as to whose comment it was.
DeleteFascinating! Another chemical I knew nothing about! Thank you, Pradeep!
ReplyDeleteWow from fountain pens to organs, this is one versatile chemical.
ReplyDeleteHi Suchita - yes, absolutely!
DeleteI remember, on the last day of school after final exams, splashing ink on the shirts of friends with fountain pens.
ReplyDeleteSchool-day pranks!
DeleteI’ve never used a fountain pen. I learned to write with a pencil.
ReplyDeleteOsmium is also not found naturally on earth. The only source of it is meteors. That's why it's so expensive.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I really appreciate this post as writing materials are my favorite things.
ReplyDelete