What is rhodium?, and is it expensive.?

Question

What is rhodium?, and is it expensive.?

Answer 1

Rhodium is a chemical element belonging to the 8th. group of the periodic system. rhodium has only one naturally occurring isotope. it is found in nature associated with platinum in the gold-bearing sands of Mexico and of South America, and in the copper-nickel ores of Ontario.

it was discovered in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston in crude platinum ore. it is a silvery white metal, not very brilliant, and ductile when hot. it melts at 1960 degrees C. and is slightly denser than lead. when finely sub divided it has powerful catalytic properties. it is not attacked by acids or aqua regia but combines directly with fluorine. at red-heat it slowly oxidises in air to form the sesquioxide but at higher temperatures it changes back to the element.

pure rhodium is used for plating jewellery and silver articles by the electrolytic method, and for plating in optical instruments, usually by evaporation. it is extremely hard and takes a high polish.

9960 dollars per ounce!

Answer 2

Here's the dope.

Answer 3

It is an element.   Rhodium is a silver-white metallic element, is highly resistant to corrosion, and is extremely reflective.  South Africa is the major source, accounting for almost 60% of the world's rhodium supply.  Russia is the second largest producer.  

The curent price is about $9500.00 per ounce.