Rhodium (Rh)
Precious Metals | Atomic Number: 45
Basic Properties
Rh
45
102.906 g/mol
| Element Category | Precious Metals |
|---|---|
| Atomic Number | 45 |
| Atomic Weight | 102.906 g/mol |
| Crystal Structure | Face-centered cubic (FCC) |
Description
Rhodium is the most expensive precious metal with exceptional corrosion resistance and catalytic properties.
| Density | 12.41 g/cm³ |
|---|
| Tensile Strength | 827-1379 MPa |
|---|---|
| Hardness | 6 Mohs |
| Melting Point | 1964°C |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 3695°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 150 W/(m·K) |
| Electrical Conductivity | 2.1 × 10^7 S/m |
|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent - highly resistant to corrosion |
|---|
Applications
Catalytic converters, jewelry plating, laboratory equipment, electrical contacts
Production Methods
Byproduct of platinum and nickel mining, recycling from automotive catalysts
History
Discovered by William Hyde Wollaston (1803). Named from Greek "rhodon" meaning rose-colored.