Ruthenium is a rare, silvery-white metal that belongs to the platinum group of elements. It is represented by the chemical symbol Ru and has an atomic number of 44. Found primarily in ores of platinum and nickel, ruthenium is often used in various industrial applications, including electronics and catalysts. Its unique properties, such as resistance to corrosion and high melting point, make it valuable in many high-tech fields.
In addition to its industrial uses, ruthenium plays a role in the field of chemistry as a catalyst in chemical reactions. It is also explored for potential applications in medicine, particularly in cancer treatment, due to its ability to interact with biological molecules.