Origin / Meaning of the name Rhenium
The name Rhenium originates from the Latin word Rhenus meaning "Rhine" - the element was discovered in the Rhine region of Germany.
Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Rhenium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Rhenium is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. Elements classified as Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.
Facts about the History and the Discovery of the Rhenium Element
Rhenium was discovered by Walter Noddack, Ida Tacke, and Otto Berg in Germany in 1925.
History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table.
Occurrence of the Rhenium Element
Obtained from columbite, gadolinite and molybdenite
This element is widely spread through the earth's crust at approximately 0.001 ppm.
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 23%
% in Sun 23%
% in Meteorites N/A
% in Earth's Crust 5.5×10-7%
% in Oceans 7.2×10-10%
% in Humans N/A
Associated Uses of Rhenium
Making Lead-free, high-octane gasoline
Filaments for mass spectrographs
