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Description and Uses:
Rhodium is a silver-white metallic element, is highly resistant to corrosion, and is
extremely reflective. It is used as a finish for jewelry, mirrors, and search lights. It
is also used in electric connections and is alloyed with platinum for aircraft turbine
engines. Another use is manufacturing of nitric acid and used in hydrogenation of organic
compounds. Rhodium usage is dominated by autocatalyst applications where it is used
together with platinum and palladium to control exhaust emissions
Major sources of supply
South Africa is the major source, accounting for almost 60% of the world's rhodium supply
Russia is the second largest producer, although its sales are, as with the other PGMs,
volatile and subject to political intervention.
Historical prices
High rhodium prices during the late 1980s led to increased rhodium production from South
Africa. This increased supply was primarily responsible for a declining rhodium price
during the 1990s.Interruptions to Russian supply since early 1997 have helped the rhodium
price to recover strongly. Kitco provides historical price charts updating on a daily
basis.
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