Metals & Minerals
Metals are solid materials that are generally hard, shiny, and good conductors of heat and electricity.
They have a high melting point and can be molded or shaped through processes like casting, forging, or
rolling. Metals are classified based on their properties, such as conductivity, strength, or reactivity.
Types of Metals & Minerals :
Properties of Metals:
- Malleability: The ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets.
Ductility: The ability to be drawn into wires.
Conductivity: Good conductors of heat and electricity.
Strength and Hardness: Many metals are strong and durable, making them ideal for
construction and machinery.
Corrosion Resistance: Some metals, like gold and platinum, resist corrosion, while others (like
iron) rust over time.
Ferrous Metals (Contain iron):
- o Iron (Fe): The most widely used metal, primarily in steel production. Steel, an alloy of
iron, is used for construction, machinery, and tools.
o Steel: An alloy of iron and carbon, used in construction, automotive, infrastructure, and
machinery.
o Cast Iron: A group of iron-carbon alloys with high carbon content, known for its
brittleness but great for casting.
o Wrought Iron: Pure iron, used in decorative metalwork and certain structural
applications.
Non-Ferrous Metals (Do not contain iron):
- o Aluminum (Al): Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and commonly used in aerospace,
automotive, packaging, and construction.
o Copper (Cu): Known for its excellent electrical conductivity, it’s used in wiring,
electronics, plumbing, and coinage.
o Gold (Au): Highly valuable, corrosion-resistant, and used in jewelry, electronics, and as a
currency reserve.
o Silver (Ag): Used in jewelry, electronics, and currency; it has high conductivity and
antimicrobial properties.
o Zinc (Zn): Commonly used for galvanizing steel to prevent rusting and in alloys like brass
(copper + zinc).
o Lead (Pb): Historically used in batteries, radiation shielding, and construction, but now
less common due to its toxicity.
o Nickel (Ni): Used in making stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant alloys.
Precious Metals:
- o Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), and Platinum (Pt) are considered precious metals because of
their rarity and high economic value. They are widely used in jewelry, investment (e.g.,
coins), and high-tech applications like electronics.
Rare Earth Metals:
- o These metals are often found together in nature and are crucial in modern technologies
such as electronics, batteries, and renewable energy. Examples include Neodymium
(Nd), Lanthanum (La), and Yttrium (Y). Rare earth elements are used in making
magnets, phosphors in displays, and catalysts.
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