Beyond Atomic Numbers - Every Element Has a Story
102.91
9
5
D Block
Transition Metal
Rhodium was discovered in 1803 by the English chemist William Hyde Wollaston while refining platinum ore. Its name comes from the Greek word rhodon, meaning "rose", because some of its compounds produce a beautiful rose-red color.
Rhodium occurs in very small amounts within platinum and nickel ores. Most of the world's supply comes from South Africa, Russia and Zimbabwe.
Group 9 | Period 5 | D Block | Transition Metal
Rhodium is widely used in catalytic converters, jewellery plating, optical mirrors, electrical contacts and industrial catalysts because of its outstanding resistance to corrosion and heat.
Platinum, Palladium, Ruthenium and Iridium
Rhodium is one of the most corrosion-resistant metals known. Only very aggressive chemicals under extreme conditions can attack it.
Electronic Configuration: [Kr] 4d⁸ 5s¹
Rhodium efficiently converts harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides into less harmful substances, making it a key component in vehicle catalytic converters that reduce air pollution.
Rhodium is often more expensive than gold because it is extremely rare and demand from the automotive industry is very high.
Millions of vehicles use rhodium inside catalytic converters to reduce harmful exhaust gases, helping improve air quality around the world.
White gold jewellery is often coated with rhodium to give it a brilliant shine while improving its resistance to scratches and tarnish.
Because of its exceptional reflectivity and durability, rhodium is used for precision mirrors, searchlights and high-performance electrical contacts.
Although rhodium is one of the rarest precious metals on Earth, its greatest value lies not only in its price but also in its ability to reduce vehicle emissions. Every day, this remarkable element helps make the air cleaner for millions of people around the world.
Scientists are exploring rhodium catalysts for green chemistry, hydrogen production, fuel cells and environmentally friendly industrial processes.
Like other heavy platinum-group metals, rhodium was created in ancient stellar explosions through neutron-capture processes before becoming part of Earth's crust.
Rhodium prices can fluctuate dramatically, and during some years it has been worth several times more than gold due to its rarity and industrial demand.