What is Rubidium? Origin / Meaning of the name Rubidium
Originates from the Latin word 'rubidus' meaning red because of the two "deep red lines" in its spectra.
What is Rubidium? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Rubidium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Rubidium is classified as an "Alkali Metal" and located in Group 1 elements of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as an Alkali Metal is a very reactive metal that does not occur freely in nature. Alkali metals are soft, malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and electricity. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.
What is Rubidium? Occurrence of the Rubidium Element
Obtained from Lithium production
16th most abundant element in the earth's crust
Occurs naturally in the minerals leucite, pollucite, and zinnwaldite
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 1×10-6%
% in Sun 3×10-6%
% in Meteorites 0.00032%
% in Earth's Crust 0.006%
% in Oceans 0.000012%
% in Humans 0.00046%
Associated Uses of Rubidium
Research and development in chemical and electronic applications
Catalyst
Photocells
Fireworks
Vapour turbines
Rubidium chloride
Facts about the History of the Discovery of Rubidium Element
Rubidium was discovered by Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff in 1861 in the mineral lepidolite through the use of a spectroscope. It has the highest room temperature conductivity of any known ionic crystal. Ignites spontaneously in air. Reacts violently in water.
Robert Wilhelm Bunsen
Robert Wilhelm Bunsen (1811-1899) invented many lecture-room and laboratory appliances, most famously the Bunsen burner. He also invented the spectroscope and with it discovered rubidium and caesium; greatly perfected methods of electrolysis, inventing a new battery; made many investigations among metallic and organic substances.
