Material of exceptionally high purity, specifically .999 fine, is often traded in units measured by the troy ounce. This represents a composition of 99.9% elemental material by weight, indicating a very minimal presence of other metals. A bar composed of this material, often weighing several of these units, serves as a tangible example.
The significance of high-purity precious metals lies in their use as a store of value, investment vehicles, and raw materials for specialized industrial applications. Historically, these metals have held intrinsic worth and are often used to hedge against economic instability. Furthermore, its high purity makes it ideal for electronics manufacturing and other processes where even trace impurities can be detrimental.