Rhenium

Rhenium (Re) is a chemical element and one of the transition metals, located in the periodic table. It is a silvery, lustrous metal that is extremely dense and has the highest melting point of all known elements. For this reason it is used in applications requiring metals to withstand high temperatures.

Rhenium is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust. It does not occur as a separate, primary ore mineral; it is usually found as a trace component in molybdenum and copper ores, and is extracted as a byproduct during the processing or refining of those ores. This makes it expensive and limits its market.

History of Discovery

Rhenium was identified in the early twentieth century and is considered one of the last naturally occurring elements to be discovered. Its name derives from the Latin 'Rhenus', referring to the Rhine River in Europe. In the early years, the amount extracted was very small, and it was used only in scientific research.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Rhenium is an extremely hard metal with high density. It has very high melting and boiling points, making it suitable for applications in high-temperature environments. Chemically it can exhibit various oxidation states, allowing it to form many different compounds, particularly oxides.

Applications

The primary use of rhenium is in metal alloys, especially nickel-based alloys used in aircraft turbine blades. It is also used as a catalyst in petroleum refining and in the production of gasoline with higher octane ratings. Small changes in ore composition can affect market prices.