rhodium [Rh]
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Introduction
From the Greek rhodon meaning rose. Discovered in 1803 by English chemist William H Wollaston.
Occurrence
- found in nickel & copper deposits in Canada
- occurs in platinum ores
- very few minerals contain rhodium
Characteristics
- silvery metal
- white, hard, ductile
- plated rhodium produced by electroplating is exceptionally hard
- resistant to attack by acids
- rhodium compounds stain the skin
- can be highly toxic
- carcinogenic
- forms cations Rh+, Rh+2, Rh+3
Uses
- hardening of platinum & palladium alloys
- furnace windings
- thermocouple elements
- bushing for glass-fiber production
- electrodes for aircraft spark plugs
- laboratory crucibles
- electrical contact material
- jewelry
- catalyst