Emily Dickinson Lexicon

RHO'DI-UM, n.

A metal discovered by Wollaston, in 1803, among grains of crude platinum. Rhodium requires the strongest heat that can be produced in a wind-furnace, for its fusion. When fused, it has a white color and a metallic luster. It is extremely hard, brittle, and has a sp. gr. of about 11. It unites with oxygen at a red heat. When pure, it is not acted upon by any acid; but if in the state of an alloy, it is dissolved by aqua regia. – Turner.