Page 83 - The Periodic Table Book

45
Rh Rhodium

Discovery: 1803
45 45 58 State: Solid
Forms Uses

Pure rhodium pellet This metal is Headlight reflector Transition Metals
refined in a laboratory
shiny and silvery
when pure.

jewellery
This rhodium-alloy
reflector provides
Rhodium-plated
a bright light. Rhodium-plated microscope
Parts of this
microscope are coated
with rhodium and can
resist corrosion.

The rhodium plating
prevents jewellery from
losing its shine.
This golden mineral
is defined by its needle- These fibreglass strands
shaped crystals. Millerite are made by passing
molten glass through
rhodium-enriched trays. Fibreglass production

The rosy red colour of one of its is mined. Pure rhodium is hard and is used to
compounds inspired the name rhodium. toughen precious jewellery, mirrors, and optical
The Greek word rhodon means “rose-coloured”. devices, such as microscopes. It is mainly used
Rhodium is unreactive and does not form in the production of catalytic convertors for cars.
compounds easily. It is a rare metal. Most Fibreglass, which is often found in protective
of the pure form is extracted when platinum gear – like helmets – also contains rhodium. 81

080-081_Ruthenium_Rhodium.indd 81 12/12/16 5:38 pm