Platine

Platine is a term with several related meanings, primarily in French but also used in international contexts. It most often refers to the metal platinum, known for its high density, corrosion resistance, and value. In chemical terms, platinum has the symbol Pt and atomic number 78 and is widely used in catalysts, jewelry, laboratory equipment, and various industrial applications. In French discourse, “platiné” or “platine” can describe objects made of platinum or finished with platinum plating, such as jewelry or electrodes.

The word platine also appears in other, non-metallic senses. In audio and consumer electronics, a platine is a turntable or the playing surface for vinyl records. In horology, the platine is the base plate of a mechanical watch movement, to which the gear train and other components are mounted. In electronics and manufacturing, the term can denote a base plate or circuit-board substrate, sometimes referred to as a platine or mounting plate, on which components are affixed.

In the music industry, “disque platine” (platinum record) is a certification indicating a high level of sales, with thresholds that vary by country or region. The term thus sits at the intersection of science, technology, and culture, reflecting both the material platinum and its symbolic or structural roles in various devices and systems.