INORGANIC CHEMISTRY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site rubidium (Rb) Rubidium Credit: RSC A soft, silvery-white, metallic element belonging to the family of alkali metals. It was discovered in 1861 in Heidelberg by Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff, by spectroscopic examination of the mineral lepidolite; its name is derived from the Latin rubidus, meaning "red." Rubidium is the 23rd most abundant element in the Earth's crust, and is found as a minor constituent of potassium and cerium minerals, notably pollucite, carnallite, leucite and lepidolite. Metallic rubidium, prepared by electrolysis of the chloride or reduction of the carbonate, is used in electron tubes and photoelectric cells, and its salts in making special glasses and ceramics. Chemically, it resembles sodium but is more reactive, igniting in air and reacting violently with water. It forms amalgams with mercury and alloys with gold, cesium, potassium, and sodium. Rubidium colors a flame yellowish-violet. Its most common, and only stable, isotope is 85Rb (72.15%); three other istopes are all radioactive. atomic number 37 relative atomic mass 85.468 electron configuration [Kr]5s1 electron affinity -46.9 (M-M-)/kJ mol-1 melting point 38.89°C (102°F) boiling point 688°C (1,270°F) Related category    • INORGANIC CHEMISTRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP