Rhodium (7440-16-6) – find manufacturers and suppliers

Rhodium (Rh) is a rare, extremely valuable precious metal with an indispensable role in modern industry - especially in vehicle exhaust gas purification.

As it is only contained in small quantities per ton of ore, its extraction is technically complex and very cost-intensive.

Below you will find an overview of the physical properties, extraction and main mining countries of rhodium, as well as an overview of its use and a brief overview of special features of the rhodium market:

Physical properties of rhodium:

1. Symbol: Rh
2. Atomic number: 45
3. Density: 12.4 g/cm³
4. Melting point: 1,964 °C
5. Boiling point: 3,700 °C
6. Color: Silvery-white with high metallic luster
7. Hardness (Mohs): 6 (very hard and brittle in pure form)
8. Malleability: Relatively ductile and malleable metal.
9. Electrical conductivity: Good, but not as high as silver or copper.
10. Corrosion resistance: Extremely resistant to air, acids and bases - hardly oxidizes at all

Extraction of rhodium:

Rhodium is one of the rarest naturally occurring metals on earth.
Annual world production is only around 30 tons, compared to several thousand tons of gold or silver.

Natural occurrence: Rhodium does not occur in its pure form in the earth's crust, but as a by-product in the extraction of platinum and nickel ores.
It is extracted together with other platinum metals (platinum, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, osmium).

Main rhodium-producing countries:

1. South Africa: Supplies over 80% of the world's rhodium.
2. Russia
3. Canada
4. USA
5. Zimbabwe

Use of rhodium:

Although rhodium is only mined in small quantities, its economic importance is enormous - mainly due to its unique properties in industrial processes.

1. Automotive industry (catalytic converters):
Main use with over **80% market share: in exhaust catalytic converters for gasoline vehicles to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Together with platinum and palladium, rhodium forms the active component in the three-way catalytic converter.
Due to strict emission regulations worldwide, rhodium has become irreplaceable.

2. Chemical industry:
Catalyst in nitric acid production.
- Production of acetic acid, hydrogenations and other organic chemical reactions.
Particularly valued due to its high catalyst activity at high temperatures.

3. Electrical engineering and measurement technology:
In contacts, sensors, thermocouples and as a coating material.
- Ideal for demanding environments thanks to its heat resistance and corrosion resistance.

4. Jewelry industry:
Rhodium plating: rhodium is applied as a thin coating to white gold, silver or platinum to achieve a brilliant, lasting shine.
Rhodium-plated jewelry is more resistant to scratches, tarnishing and corrosion.

5. Investment and trade:
Rhodium is increasingly being traded as a precious metal investment - for example in the form of bars, ETFs or physical ownership.
It is considered "extremely volatile" as the market is small and price-sensitive.

Special features of the rhodium market:

• Rhodium is currently one of the most expensive metals in the world - more expensive than gold or platinum.
• Strong price fluctuations due to supply bottlenecks, political instability (e.g. in South Africa), peaks in demand.
• Few suppliers and buyers - therefore very susceptible to speculation and market shifts.rhodium is one of the rarest naturally occurring metals on earth. Annual global production is only around 30 tons, compared to several thousand tons of gold or silver.
• Due to its rarity, costly extraction and low global production, rhodium has a high market value and is becoming increasingly important as a strategic raw material.

Its uses range from automotive engineering, chemicals, electronics and jewelry manufacturing to financial products. As a precious metal investment, rhodium is particularly interesting for risk-conscious investors with a long-term perspective.

Here you will find the most important aspects to consider when buying rhodium.

When buying rhodium, whether for industrial, chemical, jewelry or investment purposes, you should bear the following points in mind. Due to the extreme rarity and volatility of rhodium, special rules apply here.

• The purpose of the purchase should be clearly defined before buying. Possible uses for rhodium are:
• Industrial, e.g. for catalysts, the electrical industry or chemicals.
• Rhodium plating, e.g. for jewelry or watch refinement.
• Investment as a physical metal or security.
• Speculation on price increases, usually short-term.
• Purity, form, source of supply and price structure vary depending on the intended use.
• When purchasing, the form in which rhodium is required should be clearly defined:
• Possible forms in which rhodium can be purchased:
• Powder / sponge / granules: For industrial/chemical processes.
• Plates / rods / wires: In electrical engineering or for laboratory equipment.
• Ingots (usually 1 oz or 100 g): For physical investment purposes.
• Solutions / rhodium salts: For electroplating e.g. rhodium sulfate for jewelry plating.
• When purchasing rhodium, note the degree of fineness:
• Technical: 99.8 % - 99.9 % is sufficient for industrial applications.
• Investment metal: Min. 99.95 % purity (fine rhodium).
• For electroplating: As a solution or complex compound as required.
• When buying rhodium, you should understand the price structure and market volatility:
• Rhodium is the most volatile precious metal of all.
• No official exchange trading as with gold or silver.
• Price determination via specialized wholesalers e.g. Johnson Matthey, Heraeus or London Metal Exchange (LPPM)
• Daily prices fluctuate strongly - can rise or fall by several 1,000 €/oz within weeks.
• The purchase price is made up of the following components:
• Spot price: World market price per troy ounce (31.1 g)
• Trader's mark-up: This can be particularly high for rhodium due to its low liquidity.
• Value added tax: In many countries (e.g. Germany) 19% for physical purchases (except for storage in bonded warehouses).
• Due to the high prices and rarity, it is essential to select a reputable and experienced source of supply:
• If possible, only buy from well-known, licensed precious metal dealers specializing in platinum group metals (PGM).
• When purchasing for electroplating or laboratory requirements, only from well-known industrial suppliers
• Direct manufacturers/smelters for large quantities.
• Look for proof of origin, LBMA or LPPM certification, reliable packaging (sealed, with certificate and serial number if necessary), safe transportation, insured if necessary.
• Before buying, also clarify the aspects of storage and safety. Rhodium should be stored particularly securely due to its high value Professional storage is important:
• Own safe: For smaller stocks, inexpensive but risky.
• Bank safe deposit box: Safe, but usually not insured.
• Specialized high-security warehouses: For larger quantities - often insured, can be anonymized.
• Duty-free warehouse: VAT-free storage, e.g. in Switzerland or Singapore.
• Rhodium is a high-value metal - not every insurance policy automatically covers it.
• It is therefore essential to clarify in advance whether storage or transportation insurance is included.
• Pay attention to tax aspects (Germany as an example):
• 19% VAT on physical rhodium (unlike gold).
• Investment rhodium may be subject to speculation tax if sold within one year.
• No differential taxation possible as with silver coins.
• Import from non-EU countries may be subject to customs and import tax.
• For cash payments over € 2,000, an identity document is required.
• For exports: Certificates of origin and export licenses may be required.
• Rhodium is often a by-product from mines with questionable environmental or human rights conditions.
• You should therefore look out for conflict-free rhodium, e.g. from certified mining in South Africa.

Purchasing rhodium requires specialist knowledge, an understanding of the market and strategic action. It is not a mass product, but a highly specialized precious metal with very narrow markets. Anyone who buys rhodium professionally - whether for industrial processes or as an investment - should take risks such as price volatility, tax liability and origin seriously.

Rhodium can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about suppliers of rhodium from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.