In 2021, this metal hit $30,000 per troy ounce — more expensive than gold, platinum, and even some diamonds. Rhodium is the most expensive precious metal on Earth. It was named after the Greek 'rhodon' (rose), because solutions of its salts have a delicate pink color.
But rhodium isn't bought for jewelry. 80% of all mined rhodium goes into automotive catalytic converters. It's the element that converts toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx) into harmless nitrogen and water. Without rhodium, city air would be far more polluted.
Rhodium is extraordinarily rare — 10,000 times rarer than gold in Earth's crust. World production is just 30 tons per year, mostly from South Africa. That's why its price is wildly volatile: from $600 to $30,000 per ounce in the past decade.
Beyond catalytic converters, rhodium is valued for the highest reflectance of any metal. It coats telescope mirrors, laser optics, and white gold jewelry — for a brilliant silvery shine that never tarnishes.
Metallic rhodium is non-toxic and safe to handle. Some rhodium salts can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions. Rhodium dust irritates airways. Due to its extreme price, the main 'danger' of rhodium is economic: catalytic converter theft has become a mass phenomenon in many countries.
In 2021, rhodium hit $30,000 per ounce — twice the price of gold. The highest price ever for a precious metal.
One catalytic converter contains 1–2 grams of rhodium. That's why catalytic converter theft has become epidemic worldwide.
Rhodium has the highest reflectance of any metal — over 80% of visible light. Perfect for mirrors.
Rhodium is 10,000 times rarer than gold. Annual production is just 30 tons, mostly from one country — South Africa.
The name 'rhodium' comes from Greek 'rhodon' (rose). Solutions of its salts have a delicate pink color.
| Isotope | Mass (u) | Abundance | Half-life | Decay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
103Rh | 102.905504 | 100.00% | stable | — |
Analysis of platinum ore