Definition of the Ruthenium Element
A hard white acid-resistant metallic element that is found in Platinum ores. Ruthenium, together with rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum form a group of elements referred to as the platinum group metals (PGM). It is used to harden platinum and palladium for jewelry and in alloys for nonmagnetic wear-resistant instrument pivots and electrical contacts. Ruthenium does not tarnish at room temperatures, but oxidises in air at about 800°C. The metal is not attacked by hot or cold acids or aqua regia, but when Potassium chlorate is added to the solution, it oxidises explosively. The Atomic Number of this element is 44 and the chemcial symbol is Ru.

Origin / Meaning of the name Ruthenium
Originates from the Latin word Ruthenia meaning Russia.

Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Ruthenium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Ruthenium is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. Elements classified as Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat.Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.

Facts about the History and the Discovery of the Ruthenium Element
Ruthenium was discovered by Karl Klaus  in 1844

History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table.

Occurrence of the Ruthenium Element
Mined in North and South America, Canada and South Africa
Obtained from pentlandite and pyroxinite

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 4×10^-7%
% in Sun 5×10^-7%
% in Meteorites 0.000081%
% in Earth's Crust 9.9×10^-8%
% in Oceans 7×10^-11%
% in Humans N/A

Associated Uses of Ruthenium
Platinum alloys
Anti-cancer medicine
Solar energy technology

The Properties of the Ruthenium Element
Name of Element : Ruthenium
Symbol of Element : Ru
Atomic Number of Ruthenium : 44
Atomic Mass: 101.07 amu
Melting Point: 2250.0 °C - 2523.15 °K
Boiling Point: 3900.0 °C - 4173.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Ruthenium : 44
Number of Neutrons in Ruthenium : 57
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
Density @ 293 K: 12.2 g/cm3
Color of Ruthenium : white

Ruthenium as on the Periodic Table
Check out Ruthenium 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 Ruthenium 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.

What is Ruthenium - 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 Ruthenium is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Ruthenium with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Ruthenium 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.