American Elements produces performance materials for high technology industrial applications. However, in 2008 we were approached by commodity traders to see if we could resolve a metallurgy issue that has prevented the commoditization of an important precious metal. Rhodium has long been considered a candidate as a commodity metal alongside gold, silver, and platinum. However, rhodium could only be purchased as a powder commonly known as “rhodium sponge” because its extreme brittleness prevented it from being fabricated as a bar or coin; the forms that allow for standardized weight and purity.

American Elements engineers developed a novel annealing and quenching process specific to the low ductility of rhodium and in 2009 produced the first 2 ounce rhodium bar which now can be purchased by investors, collectors and ETFs who wish to take physical possession of the metal.

Question? Speak to an American Elements engineer at investment.metals@americanelements.com

Innovation Case Study #18: American Elements Fabricates First Investment Grade Rhodium Product

#18: American Elements Fabricates First Investment Grade Rhodium Product

The Challenge

Rhodium is a precious metal with numerous applications. Few know that "white gold" is in fact a rhodium-coated gold. However, pure rhodium was never available in a form that would allow for investment and trade because rhodium is extremely brittle. As such, it is typically sold as a powder known as “Rhodium Sponge”. American Elements metallurgists were tasked with created a solid bar or coin that could be produced to allow the investment community to more conveniently invest in and trade Rhodium.

The Innovation

American Elements developed a proprietary annealing process that created a unique solid plate that could be further cut and formed into specified weights. Various forms of coins and bars were than produced and distributed for evaluation by the investment community.

The Result

American Elements found the most popular form was a 2 oz. bar which it then launched under the tradename “Rhodies”. The Rhodie is now available to funds, currency reserves and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to allow for risk exposure to this unique precious metal.
Below is merely a selection of the full catalog of Investment Grade Metals products that American Elements manufactures. If you do not see a material you're looking for listed, please search the website or contact customerservice@americanelements.com.

Selected Products Supplied to the Investment Grade Metals Industry

Aluminum Nanoparticles Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles / Nanopowder Cerium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Copper Nanoparticle Dispersion
Copper Nanoparticles Rhodium Bars Tantalum Disc Tin Nanoparticle Dispersion
Tin Nanoparticles Titanium Nitride Nanoparticle Dispersion Titanium Nitride Nanoparticles Zinc Nanoparticle Dispersion
Zinc Nanoparticles Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticle Dispersion Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles / Nanopowder