Density
12.45 g/cm³ (at 20 °C)
Discovery
Discovered by Karl Ernst Claus in 1844.
Common Uses
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Used as a catalyst in some chemical processes.
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Used to make wear-resistant electrical contacts.
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Ruthenium compounds are used in some specialized inks.
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Used in some jewelry alloys to increase hardness.
Interesting Facts
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The name "ruthenium" comes from "Ruthenia," the Latin name for Russia, as Claus was working in Russia when he discovered it.
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It is one of the platinum group metals and is very resistant to corrosion.
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Has several oxidation states, allowing it to form a variety of compounds.
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