Ruthenium

Ruthenium, chemical element, symbol Ru; for physical constants see Periodic Table. Ruthenium was discovered by Karl Klaus in 1844. It occurs in nature associated with native platinum and also with copper-nickel ores. It is obtained in commercial quantities from the mineral pentlandite. The element is prepared by the reduction with hydrogen of the oxychloride. Ruthenium is a hard, lustrous, white metal and is a member of the platinum group of elements. It is used to harden other metals and improve their wear-resistance and resistance to corrosion. It is also a versatile catalyst.