Rhenium

Rhenium, with the chemical symbol Re and atomic number 75, was discovered in 1925 by German scientists Ida and Walter Noddack, along with Otto Berg. This discovery was particularly significant as Rhenium was one of the last naturally occurring elements identified on Earth.

On Earth, Rhenium is extremely rare and is found in trace amounts in molybdenum and copper ores, constituting about 1 ppb of the Earth's crust. The rarity of Rhenium gives it a special status among chemical elements. Rhenium is utilized in various high-temperature applications, especially in alloys for jet engine turbine blades and as a catalyst in oil refining. Its unique properties make it indispensable in environments with extreme conditions. The production route of Rhenium begins with extraction from molybdenum and copper ores, followed by intricate chemical processes for purification and isolation. The main production countries for Rhenium are Chile, Kazakhstan, and the United States. These nations play a crucial role in the global production of this precious element.