Rubidium (element)

Rubidium is a soft, silvery-white chemical element with the symbol Rb and atomic number 37. It belongs to the alkali metals group, which also includes lithium, sodium, and potassium. Rubidium is highly reactive and can ignite spontaneously in air. It is found in trace amounts in certain minerals and is used in various applications, such as atomic clocks and certain types of glass. Despite its reactivity, rubidium is not commonly encountered in daily life and poses safety concerns that require careful handling in scientific settings. It was discovered in 1861 and its name comes from the Latin word for "deep red."