 During periods of sustained economic stability and growth , the price of platinum tends to be as much as twice the price of gold , whereas during periods of economic uncertainty , the price of platinum tends to decrease due to reduced industrial demand , falling below the price of gold . Gold prices are more stable in slow economic times , as gold is considered a safe haven . Although gold is used in industrial applications , its demand is not so driven by industrial uses . In the 18th century , platinum 's rarity made King Louis XV of France declare it the only metal fit for a king . 
