Ruthenium is related to platinum yet it has a number of unique characteristics. It is harder and rarer but more brittle, and has a higher melting point. Its spectacular sheen makes it ideal for high end jewelry.

Where Does Ruthenium Come From?

The reason ruthenium is not as famous as silver, gold or platinum is because it cannot be mined. Rather, it is the result of an experiment conducted in 1844 where Karl K. Klaus isolated components which were a byproduct of platinum ores that had been dissolved. He confirmed the existence of the metal and named it after Ruthenia, the Latin word for Russia and a reference to the fact that the ores were discovered in the Russian Ural Mountains.

How Is It Used?

Ruthenium has the same uses as gold, silver, and platinum, with a number of additional advantages. For instance, it can harden palladium, another rare metal that is increasing in popularity, and it can also be applied to the formulation of alloys. When combined with platinum and palladium, it can then be used with titanium. Given the fact that some metals are vulnerable to corrosion, ruthenium can be combined with them to offer greater resistance.

Aside from jewelry and combining with other metals, ruthenium can also be used for electrical contacts, temperature gauges and medical instruments. It plays a key role in the development of catalysts, which is a substance used for altering the speed of chemical reactions while not changing itself.

Ruthenium can also transform light into electrical energy, a process which is similar to photosynthesis, where plants transform sunlight into chemical energy. Due to its ability to function with platinum, ruthenium is frequently used in ring plates, which results in jewelry with a lovelier shine. It is a bright, gray/silver metal with a desirable hue that looks great in finished jewels. Since its tone is somewhat dark, jewelers like using it to craft delicate and intricate designs on the surface prior to coating.

How Expensive Is Ruthenium?

As with most precious metals, ruthenium’s spot price changes daily. The reason for this is because it is considered a commodity and is traded as such. It has a stable price, especially when compared to stocks, and as a consequence is not subject to constant market fluctuations. Adding it to your investment portfolio could be a prudent long term strategy, since it will better enable you to handle unpredictable market conditions.

How To Care For Ruthenium Jewelry

It is important to properly care for your ruthenium jewelry; otherwise it will lose its brilliant luster. It should be kept away from any substance that is harsh or abrasive, and to clean it you will want to use water that is lukewarm with soap that is mild. Put the metal in the solution for approximately half an hour, then remove and rinse it with water that is soap free. Dry it with a towel that is not abrasive and then set it aside so it can dry.