Rubindium (abbreviated Rd) is a chemical element, a transuranic metal which was generally found in crystalline form. Rubindium is element number 120 on the periodic table. This element was discovered by Humans in 2038 in the asteroid belt of the Sol system. (ST reference: Star Fleet Medical Reference Manual) Like dilithium, rubindium is able to convert subspace radiation into transtator current. (TOS novel: Prime Directive)

Stable rubindium was a rare substance, but in the 23rd century, rubindium crystals were used by Starfleet as part of their subcutaneous transponders. While imprisoned on the planet Ekos in 2268, Commander Spock was able to create a powerful laser using the crystals in his transponder, and was able to escape from prison. (TOS episode: "Patterns of Force")

The planet Talin IV had large deposits of natural rubindium crystals, which the native Talin recognized as having properties beyond that of normal matter. Because rubindium could potentially detect subspace activity in local space, Starfleet's First Contact Office restricted the use of all subspace-based technologies during their study of the planet. (TOS novel: Prime Directive)

In the 2290s, the Federation discovered large quantities of stable rubindium on one of the inner planets of the star system surrounding Orelte. After lengthy negotiations with the Frunalians, the Federation were able to gain mining rights. (TOS - Crucible novel: The Fire and the Rose)

External linkEdit

• Rubindium article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.