Rhodium (Rh)

Rhodium (Rh)

Atomic Number:45
Atomic Weight:102.91
Melting Point:1966
Boiling Point:3727
Specific Gravity:12.41
Valence(s): 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6

Rhodium was identified by Wollaston in 1803. Rhodium occurs naturally in Platinum metals. Only about 2-3 tonnes of Rhodium are produced per year. Its major use is to harden Platinum and Palladium which are used for furnace windings and thermocouple elements. Plated Rhodium is used for constructing optical instruments. [LM] {RW}