Rhodium is a rare, silvery-white element with a high reflectivity for light. Used predominantly as alloying agent to harden platinum, it is also used to produce reflecting surfaces for optical instruments and jewelry and as electroplate to protect silver from tarnishing. It was first isolated in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston.
| Symbol | Rh |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 45 |
| Atomic weight | 102.905 |
| Group in periodic table | 9 (VIII) |
| Boiling point | 6,741 °F (3,727 °C) |
| Melting point | 3,571 °F (1,966 °C) |
| Specific gravity | 12.4 |
