Decronal Black 44 produces noble ruthenium deposits with a rich anthracite tone. The deposit is very hard and abrasion resistant. A deposit thickness of 0.1 - 2 microns can be achieved, which together with an under-coating of palladium/nickel, is highly corrosion resistant. For lower deposit thicknesses of 0.1 - 1.0 micron, it is possible to operate the process at significantly lower metal concentration to achieve maximum economy.