Discovered : by J.A. Sniadecki in Vilno, Poland in 1808, and then rediscovered by G.W. Osann in Tartu, then part of Russia, in 1828
Origin : The name is derived from 'Ruthenia', the Latin name for Russia.
Description :
Like rhodium, one of the rarest metals on Earth. It is used to harden platinum and palladium and as a catalyst in the chemicals industry. Like gold, this metal can be found in the free state.
Image :
Soviet Civil Ensign circa 1921. Click here to see larger version of this image.
