Within the precious family of platinum group metals (PGMs), each member possesses a unique market value due to its distinct physicochemical properties and level of scarcity. When discussing why ruthenium, as a PGM, is relatively cheaper compared to others like platinum and palladium, the reasons behind this are complex and multifaceted.Firstly, a factor that cannot be overlooked is the relatively widespread distribution of ruthenium in the Earth's crust and its abundant mineral resources. Compared to PGMs such as platinum and palladium, the geochemical characteristics of ruthenium make it easier to find in certain types of rocks and ores, providing more possibilities for mining. Therefore, although ruthenium is also classified as a rare metal, its relatively sufficient supply to some extent inhibits the upward movement of its market price.Secondly, with the continuous advancement of science and technology, human capabilities in mining, processing, and recycling ruthenium have significantly improved. These technological innovations not only enhance the efficiency of extracting ruthenium from ores, reducing energy consumption and losses during the process, but also make recycling ruthenium from waste products or industrial scraps more economically feasible.

Despite this, the importance of ruthenium has not diminished due to its relatively lower price. In several key fields such as chemical catalysis, electronic materials, and aerospace, ruthenium plays an indispensable role. Its unique catalytic properties, high-temperature stability, and good electrical conductivity make it a crucial material for solving specific technical challenges. Even though the price of ruthenium is relatively affordable, the value of its recycling and reuse cannot be underestimated. With the enhancement of environmental awareness and the popularization of the concept of resource recycling, waste ruthenium scraps have become potential "urban mines." According to the latest market trends, the recycling price of ruthenium has reached 85 yuan per gram. This figure not only reflects the economic value of ruthenium as a resource but also demonstrates society's emphasis on efficient resource utilization.