Ruthenium (7440-18-8) – find manufacturers and suppliers

Ruthenium (Ru) is a rare, hard and corrosion-resistant transition metal that is particularly valued for its electrochemical properties and catalysis capabilities.

Its role in high-tech applications and medical research make it a strategically important element for the future.

Below you will find an overview of the physical properties, extraction and the main countries where ruthenium is mined, as well as an overview of its uses and a brief overview of its special features:

Physical properties of ruthenium:

Symbol: Ru
Atomic number: 44
Density: 12.45 g/cm³
Melting point: 2,334 °C
Boiling point: 4,150 °C
Color: Silvery-white, shiny.
Hardness (Mohs): 6.5
Malleability: Hard and brittle
Electrical conductivity: High.
Corrosion resistance: Very corrosion resistant, even to strong acids.

Extraction of ruthenium:

Ruthenium was discovered in 1844 by Karl Ernst Claus, a German-Russian chemist.
The name is derived from "Ruthenia", the Latin name for Russia.

Ruthenium is a rare platinum metal that mainly occurs in nickel and platinum ores.
It often occurs in traces together with other platinum metals such as rhodium, palladium and osmium.

Main ruthenium-producing countries:

1. South Africa
2. Russia
3. Canada
4. USA

Use of ruthenium:

Ruthenium is a rather "inconspicuous" but highly interesting element with several special properties that make it unique in chemistry and technology.

1. Electronics and electrical engineering:
Used in resistors, thin film resistors and contacts due to its high resistance to corrosion and wear.
Component of hard disks and chips, as it enables thin and stable conductive paths.

2. Catalysis:
As a catalyst in ammonia synthesis, hydrogenations, hydrogen fuel cells and in olefin metathesis.
Ruthenium complexes are also very effective in homogeneous catalysis (e.g. Grubbs catalyst).

3. Alloy component:
In platinum and palladium alloys to increase hardness and corrosion resistance (e.g. for dental prostheses, contacts, thermocouples).

4. Chemical sensors and analytics:
In chemical sensors, especially for oxygen and ammonia detection.
Use in phosphors (phosphorescence in organo-ruthenium complexes).

5. Medicine:
Research into ruthenium-based cancer drugs e.g. NAMI-A, KP1019.
Lower toxicity compared to other heavy metals such as platinum.

Ruthenium is a rather "inconspicuous" but highly interesting element with several special properties that make it unique in chemistry and technology.

Special features of ruthenium:

• Ruthenium is extremely resistant to acids and corrosive environments. Even royal water (a mixture of concentrated hydrochloric and nitric acid), which dissolves many precious metals, can hardly attack ruthenium.
• Ruthenium can occur in very many oxidation states: +2, +3, +4, +6, +7, +8. The oxidation state +8 is extremely rare in chemistry - only a few elements (e.g. osmium, xenon) achieve this.
• Ruthenium complexes are of great interest in cancer research. They show cytotoxicity against cancer cells with less toxicity for healthy cells than classic platinum preparations such as cisplatin.
• Ruthenium complexes fluoresce or phosphoresce strongly.
• When alloyed in small quantities with platinum, palladium or titanium, ruthenium improves hardness, abrasion resistance and corrosion resistance.
• Ruthenium remains stable even at extreme temperatures (melting point over 2300 °C!). This makes it ideal for use in high-temperature technology and vacuum applications.

Ruthenium is a versatile, chemically robust and technologically highly interesting element. The combination of reactivity, stability, catalysis capabilities and biological relevance makes it a real all-rounder among the precious metals.

Here you will find the most important aspects to look out for when buying ruthenium.

When purchasing ruthenium - whether for industrial, chemical, pharmaceutical or electronic applications - there are many factors to consider. Ruthenium is a strategic precious metal with limited supply and special market conditions.

• Before buying, you should determine the quality of palladium you need and the specifications to be met:
• Industry standards for purity / fineness are. 99.95 % - 99.999 % e.g. for electronics or catalysis.
• Check whether you need ruthenium in metallic form, as an oxide (RuO₂)** or as a complex compound.
• Form / delivery form: Powder, pellets, ingots, wire, sponge, target for sputtering.
• Powder: For catalysis or ceramic applications.
• Targets: For PVD coating, e.g. in microelectronics.
• Ingots: For storage or investment purposes.
• When selecting a supplier, also clarify the origin: Reputable countries of origin are South Africa, Russia and Canada - the main producers worldwide.
• Give preference to certified dealers, e.g. LBMA-certified refineries.
• Ask for certificates of analysis (COA) with specification of main and secondary components.
• The supplier should have experience in handling PGMs (platinum group metals).
• Ruthenium is sometimes subject to strong price fluctuations and supply risks.
• Ruthenium is not officially listed on the stock exchange, but prices are published by wholesalers, refineries and PGM indices.
• Pricing depends on purity and form, delivery terms (Incoterms), processing costs and demand in certain industries, e.g. electronics, hydrogen technology.
• Check whether framework agreements or storage contracts can be agreed with the supplier, or whether hedging strategies via metal refineries or financial service providers make sense for large quantities.
• Please note that transportation should be carried out as hazardous goods, depending on the chemical form, e.g. RuO₄ is highly toxic.
• Also ensure that the transportation is adequately insured and that the packaging is secure, e.g. inert or vacuum-sealed.
• Ensure dry, airtight and temperature-stable storage (especially for powders).
• Ruthenium is a valuable secondary raw material - many suppliers offer take-back and recycling schemes.

When purchasing ruthenium, you should pay attention to high purity (at least 99.95%), the appropriate delivery form (e.g. powder, ingots, target) and certified quality (e.g. COA, REACH). Other important factors are a conflict-free origin, reliable suppliers and consideration of price trends, storage and possible take-back or recycling options.

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