Rhodium is currently the most expensive metal in the world because it is very rare.
It is known for its non-oxidizing qualities in air, is unalterable, and resists chemical corrosion.
In 2024, the price of rhodium per kilo is around €180,000.
Rhodium was identified in 1803 by the famous British chemist William Hyde Wollaston, who was already recognized for his discovery of palladium.
This new metal would thus be named "Rhodium" by Wollaston, in reference to the Greek term rhodon, which means "rose."
This word referred to the color of the same name, because of the pink color the metal gives to a solution of rhodium sulfate.
Rhodium is used in the automotive industry, jewelry, electronics, and in various chemical reactions.
In jewelry making, Rhodium is used for rhodium plating, to plate solid silver or white gold jewelry in order to preserve their luster, shine, and prevent corrosion.
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Rhodium is found in extremely limited quantities in the Earth's crust.
South Africa is positioned as the main global player in rhodium extraction, followed by countries such as Russia, Canada, and the United States.
Rhodium is generally extracted as a byproduct during the extraction of other metals, particularly those belonging to the platinum group, because these metals are often associated in the same deposits.
It is possible to purchase it in the form of bars or coins.
Rhodium is not as easily available for purchase as other precious metals such as gold or silver.