Osmium powder is primarily used in applications requiring extreme hardness and resistance to wear. It is often added to platinum and iridium alloys to enhance their durability, making them suitable for use in high-performance electrical contacts, instrument pivots, and surgical implants. Due to its ability to retain sharpness, osmium powder is also used in the production of specialized fountain pen tips and record player needles. In addition, it serves as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions, particularly in organic synthesis and hydrogenation processes. Its high density and stability at elevated temperatures make it valuable in aerospace and defense technologies where reliable, long-lasting materials are critical. Osmium compounds derived from the powder are used in microscopy as stains for biological tissues, improving image contrast in electron microscopy.