Ruthenium

Discovered in 1844 by Karl Klaus of Russia, ruthenium often occurs with members of the platinum group of metal. It is a silver-gray metal and is VERY brittle, and is often found in the Ural mountains in North and South America. While it is often found in other metals and elements, there is a complex process that can be used to separate it.


Ruthenium is used as a hardener and is one of the best for addition to palladium and platinum. It is often alloyed with them to make electrical contacts with ultra wear resistance. It does not often tarnish at room temp, but will oxidize in air 800 degrees celsius.

Ruthenium was named after the Russian word "ruthenia", which means "Russia". It makes sense, being it's first discoverer was from Russia. It is possible that a Polish chemist discovered ruthenium first, but his work was never backed up and he withdrew his claims, making Klaus the founder.