What is Rubidium? Origin / Meaning of the name Rubidium
Originates from the Latin word 'rubidus' meaning red because of the two "deep red lines" in its spectra.

What is Rubidium? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Rubidium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Rubidium is classified as an "Alkali Metal" and located in Group 1 elements of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as an Alkali Metal is a very reactive metal that does not occur freely in nature. Alkali metals are soft, malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and electricity. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.

What is Rubidium? Occurrence of the Rubidium Element
Obtained from Lithium production
16th most abundant element in the earth's crust
Occurs naturally in the minerals leucite, pollucite, and zinnwaldite

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 1×10^-6%
% in Sun 3×10^-6%
% in Meteorites 0.00032%
% in Earth's Crust 0.006%
% in Oceans 0.000012%
% in Humans 0.00046%

Associated Uses of Rubidium
Research and development in chemical and electronic applications
Catalyst
Photocells
Fireworks
Vapour turbines
Rubidium chloride

What is Rubidium? The Properties of the Rubidium Element
Name of Element : Rubidium
Symbol of Element : Rb
Atomic Number of Rubidium : 37
Atomic Mass: 85.4678 amu
Melting Point: 38.89 °C - 312.04 °K
Boiling Point: 688.0 °C - 961.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Rubidium : 37
Number of Neutrons in Rubidium : 48
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 1.532 g/cm3
Color of Rubidium : silvery-white

Facts about the History of the Discovery of Rubidium Element
Rubidium was discovered by Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff in 1861 in the mineral lepidolite through the use of a spectroscope. It has the highest room temperature conductivity of any known ionic crystal. Ignites spontaneously in air. Reacts violently in water.

Robert Wilhelm Bunsen
Robert Wilhelm Bunsen (1811-1899) invented many lecture-room and laboratory appliances, most famously the Bunsen burner. He also invented the spectroscope and with it discovered rubidium and caesium; greatly perfected methods of electrolysis, inventing a new battery; made many investigations among metallic and organic substances.

Robert Bunsen (1811 - 1899)

Rubidium as on the Periodic Table
Check out Rubidium on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Rubidium as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

Other elements classified as Alkali Metals
Alkali metals are soft, malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and electricity. The other elements contained in this classification are as follows:

• Lithium
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Cesium
• Francium

What is Rubidium - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Rubidium is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Rubidium with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Rubidium and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol,  group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.