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You can find the quotations of product rhodium. Read carefully the infomation about shipment and serving of rhodium.
Questions and answers on rhodium
Why is rhodium expensive?
From the marketing perspective, rhodium is the most expensive metal because it is one of the rarest precious metals known on earth. Considering its use in catalytic converters fitted in vehicles, there is always market for it, however, the annual worldwide supply is still very small, most often less than 30 tons. The methods of mining and purifying the metal are lengthy and costly leading to the high price of the metal. Furthermore, the thinly traded nature of the rhodium market means premiums are often charged for even the slightest change in either supply or demand, frequently leading to large price increases when there is a supply shortfall or sudden surge in demand.
What is rhodium used for?
The main use of rhodium today is in automotive catalytic converters, where it is essential in lowering toxic gas emissions by altering the poisonous gases into more harmless compounds instead. In addition, rhodium is utilized in the chemical sector as a catalyst in a variety of processes such as insoluble heads in production of acetic acid, which is widely used in different industries and commercial products. The metal is also used in other industries such as electronics – here it is manufactured into electrical contacts of very high quality and also used to make certain types of mirrors. It is also applied in the jewelry manufacturing process in the form of coatings on white gold and platinum for durability and shine.
What safety measures are recommended when working with or transporting rhodium?
While working with or transporting rhodium, some important precautions should be considered. First of all, measures such as the use of respirators, gloves, and face shields should be considered. Inhalation of rhodium powder or contact with skin and eyes is harmful. Hence, the above forms of protection are necessary. Work areas should also have sufficient airflow to help reduce dust build-up. During transport, rhodium should be kept in tightly sealed containers to avoid any spillage or dispersion of the dust. In addition, it is worth addressing the fact that there may be rules concerning transport of the precious metals that the precious metal transcending National boundaries must be respected such as proper labeling and documentation. Finally, given its price, measures should be taken to avoid pilferage of the material when it is being worked on or transported.
In what forms is rhodium available for purchase (e.g. powder, sponge, bars)?
Rhodium can be acquired in different ways tailored for both industry and investment. The most familiar forms include rhodium powder which is a powder divided into minute particles, and that is more often used in catalysts applications; rhodium sponge that is a non-densified type but still has its fair share of industrial application due to its high surface area pore structure; and finally, rhodium bars or ingots, which are mostly used for investment purposes and for certain industrial functions. Wires containing rhodium also exist for some specific applications and in a liquid form for coating objects through electroplating. The physical morphology of the element varies upon the application where the metal rhodium powder and sponge is more preferred due to its catalytic activities while the bars are more convenient and easier to keep and manage for purposes of investment.
How is the rhodium packaged and shipped?
Rhodium, given its worth and possibilities of reactivity, is carefully packaged and shipped. For powder and sponge forms, rhodium is commonly stored in airtight, water-proof plastic or glass containers. These containers are then packed inside robust, soft-padded boxes or cases in order to protect them while in transit. Rhodium bars or ingots are frequently wrapped with protective wrapping and contained in a tamper proof box. And for obvious reasons especially the value, rhodium shipments usually come with insurance and can be sent through secure couriers or armoured cars depending on the amount and the laws of the area. Such shipments would normally come with supporting documents in all encapsulation of their assurance such as - certificates of analysis, chain of custody paperwork and so forth - to make sure that the contents are original and can be traced.
