economy
April 6, 2026
More Expensive Than Gold: This Part in Your Car Is Worth Up to 9,000 Euros
A small part in your car's exhaust system contains a metal that is a hundred times rarer than gold and reaches an incredible price. It's rhodium, a precious metal found inside catalytic converters, which is currently worth almost 9,000 euros for just thirty grams. Precisely because of this valuable component, catalytic converters have become the main target for thieves in parking lots worldwide.
TL;DR
- Catalytic converters contain rhodium, a precious metal significantly rarer and more expensive than gold.
- Rhodium's current market value is nearly 9,000 euros for thirty grams.
- Its high value makes catalytic converters a target for thieves globally.
- Rhodium is vital for neutralizing harmful nitrogen oxides in vehicle exhaust due to its exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures.
- Extracting rhodium is a difficult and time-consuming process, with 20 tons of ore yielding only 30 grams of the metal.
- Recycling old catalytic converters is a profitable venture due to the presence of rhodium, platinum, and palladium.
- The value of a car's exhaust gas purification system is higher than ever before.