Rubidium
An alkali metal used in atomic clocks and research — and, per USGS, in data-network synchronization.
USGS lists data-network syncing among rubidium's primary applications via rubidium frequency standards.
The US is 100% import reliant.
Who calls it critical
Membership on each government list. “Strategic” marks a higher tier where the list has one; “group” means included as part of a group such as rare earths or PGMs.
Rubidium: key questions
- Where is rubidium mined or produced?
- Country-level production data for Rubidium is limited or withheld in USGS statistics.
- Is rubidium a critical mineral?
- Rubidium appears on 1 of the 10 official lists we track (United States).
- Is rubidium in short supply?
- Our supply status: Watch. The US is 100% import reliant.
- Why does rubidium matter for AI infrastructure?
- USGS lists data-network syncing among rubidium's primary applications via rubidium frequency standards.
Related minerals
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Tungsten
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Magnesium
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