ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Precious metal

Precious metals are special kinds of metals that people really, really like! Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are examples of precious metals. People like these metals because they are shiny and pretty, but also because they don't rust or corrode easily, which means they can stay looking nice for a long time.

Because they're so special, precious metals are often used to make jewelry like rings, necklaces, and bracelets. They're also used in things like coins, dental fillings, and electronics, because they're good conductors of electricity and don't react with other materials.

But because precious metals are so valuable, they can also be used for things like investing and trading. People can buy and sell these metals to make money, or use them as a way to protect their savings. That's why you might sometimes hear people talking about "the gold standard" or "the price of silver" – these are ways of measuring how much these precious metals are worth.

So in summary, precious metals are special types of shiny, durable metals that people really like. They're used for jewelry, electronics, and investments, and can be very valuable!