Ruthenium - The discreet precious metal with great potential
What is ruthenium?
Ruthenium is a rare, silvery-white transition metal from the platinum group of metals. It was discovered in 1844 by the Russian chemist Karl Ernst Claus and is named after Russia ("Ruthenia"). Chemically, it is very resistant to corrosion and has an extremely high melting point of around 2,300 °C.
Use in industry
Ruthenium is used in many high-tech applications. These include the hardening of platinum and palladium alloys, the production of electrical contacts and its role as a catalyst in chemistry. Its properties make it a versatile but previously underestimated metal.
Ruthenium in jewelry production
Ruthenium is still a niche material in the jewelry sector. It is mainly used as an alloy additive to make white gold or platinum darker, harder and more abrasion-resistant. Ruthenium is particularly popular as a coating for silver or stainless steel, as it gives them an anthracite to black-grey, elegant surface.
Design and trends
Pure ruthenium jewelry is extremely rare, as the metal is difficult to work with. In recent years, however, the demand for black or dark jewelry has increased - especially for men's rings or modern wedding rings. Ruthenium coatings provide a striking look with high wearing comfort.
Care and value
Coated ruthenium jewelry is relatively easy to care for and resistant to scratches. Nevertheless, gentle cleaning with a soft cloth is recommended. The material value is comparatively low, which does not make ruthenium a classic investment precious metal - but it does offer long-term potential due to its technical properties.
Ruthenium is a precious metal for individualists. If you are interested in dark, modern pieces of jewelry, ruthenium-coated jewelry is a stylish choice with added technical value.