Since ruthenium is rare and difficult to isolate in pure form, it is of little use. Its main uses are as an alloy in the production of non-corrosive steel, and as an additive to jewelry metals such as platinum, palladium, and gold, making them more durable. It is also used as an alloy to make electrical contacts in medical devices harder and wear longer, and more recently as an experimental metal for converting solar cell materials directly into electricity. Ruthenium acts as a catalyst that affects the rate of chemical reactions, but is not altered by chemical processes.

It is also used as a medicine to treat eye diseases. Used as a substitute for platinum in jewelry; used in pen nibs; as electrical contact alloys, hardeners in electrical wires; catalysts in the synthesis of ceramic-colored long-chain hydrocarbons.
The main hazard is the explosive nature of ruthenium fines or dust. Metals rapidly oxidize (explode) when exposed to oxidant-type chemicals such as potassium chloride at room temperature. Most of its few compounds are toxic and fumes should be avoided.