Different Types of Metals: Properties, Uses & Everyday Applications
The progress of society depends somehow on metal materials. In this modern world, there are several metals that are important for human Civilization. Different types of metals are different from one another in their physical and chemical properties and various other characteristics. Here, we will discuss metals shortly, but detailed types of metals will be discussed later in this article. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals are the main types of metals, but there are also some common types of metals, which will be discussed later.
Those metals whose primary constituent is iron are known as ferrous metals. Ferrous metals are usually 50% of iron by weight. Iron is the second most abundant element on earth, but it’s rarely found in its pure form. Ferrous metals are magnetic and exhibit ferromagnetic properties. The easiest way to identify ferrous metals is to use a magnet.
Ferrous metals have high strength and durability (when something lasts a long time). Ferrous metals are commonly used in the automotive, railway, bridge, transportation, machinery, and shipping sectors. Steel is the most widely used ferrous and it is used in a variety of applications including, cars, railways, bridges, and household equipment.
Ferrous metals are often alloyed with other metals to produce cast iron or steel. They are susceptible to corrosion when exposed to air and moisture.
Uses of ferrous metals:
- Construction
- Transportation
- Consumer Goods
- Medical Equipment
These metals don’t contain iron as their primary component, and cannot be magnetised. Non-ferrous metals have better corrosion resistance than ferrous metals.
For instance, aluminum develops a thin protective oxide layer that prevents further corrosion, but copper and its alloys(like brass) are resistant to corrosion
Common non-ferrous metals
Uses of non-ferrous metals:
Non-ferrous metals are used in:
- Batteries
- Building materials
- Packaging
- Electrical wiring
Common types of metals:
There are several common types of metals, depending on their physical and chemical properties and their industrial demand, which are listed below:
- Tungsten
- Copper
- Zinc
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Bronze
- Silver
- Lead
- Gold
- Alloy steel
- Platinum
- Base metal
- Light metal
- Ferrous metal
- Cobalt
- Stainless steel
- Titanium
Al these types of metals are considered the most common, but each has distinct properties and characteristics.
Characteristics and Properties of Common Types of Metals:
Steel:
Steel is a hard and durable material, known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It is one of the most widely used materials in construction, manufacturing, and engineering due to its high strength, durability, and versatility.
Steel is less reactive than other metals due to alloying with carbon and other elements. It is corrosion-resistant.
It is less reactive due to alloying with carbon. It can be magnetised, but its magnetic permeability varies. Steel contains other alloying metals to enhance specific properties such as;
- Chromium
- Vanadium
- Manganese
- Nickel
Nickel:
Nickel is represented by symbol Ni and an atomic number of 28. Nickel exists in Earth’s crust in the form of oxides. Approximately 68% of the world’s stainless steel production is utilised. Nickel is widely used in coins and nickel-plated objects. Nickel is an essential nutrient for certain microorganisms and plants, as they contain enzymes with nickel as an active site.
- It is solid at room temperature.
- It is a moderately reactive metal.
- Nickel is an excellent corrosion-resistant metal.
- It has high thermal conductivity.
- Nickel is highly ductile and can be beaten into sheets.
- Nickel maintains its stability at elevated temperatures.
- It is ferromagnetic at room temperature.
- Nickel is heat resistant and has low thermal expansion.
Chromium:
Chromium has high hardness and strength. It is a lustrous and brittle metal. It is very unstable in oxygen. Chromium is used in the production of stainless steel. It has a high melting point. Chromium is ferromagnetic at low temperatures. It is corrosion-resistant due to the formation of the chromium oxide layer.
Tin:
Tin is a chemical element represented as Sn and present in the 14th group of the periodic table. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that humans have used for thousands of years. Tin exists in allotropic form. There are three types of allotropes of tin known:
- Alpha tin: Alpha tin is brittle and non-metallic
- Beta tin: Beta tin is metallic and malleable
- Gamma tin: This is a high-temperature phase of tin that can be produced under specific conditions. It is unstable at ambient temperatures.
Most tin deposits are found in Indonesia, China, Brazil, and Peru. China had the largest reserves of the metal tin in the world in 2023, at 1.1 million metric tons. Myanmar had the second-largest tin reserves in the world at that time, at a distant 700,000 metric tons.
Tin is a soft, solid metal at room temperature. It is smooth enough to be cut with a knife. Tin is non-toxic, malleable and ductile. It is a relatively non-reactive metal, resistant to corrosion, and it forms alloys with solder and bronze. It is a poor electrical conductor. Tin is the 49th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. For centuries, it has been used as a protective coating for steel.
Tin is widely used in the production of electric components (such as connectors, switches, and boards), commonly used in windows and mirrors, and tin alloy bronze has historically been used as weapons, coins and sculptures. The diverse applications of tin, ranging from electronics to food packaging, make it a crucial element in modern technology and daily life.
Magnesium:
Magnesium is a chemical element (symbol: Mg, atomic number: 12) that plays a vital role in biological, industrial and chemical processes. Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust and is essential for life on Earth, particularly in plants and animals.
Magnesium is essential for health, like many other metals, but in certain ways, its elemental form can be dangerous. Excess magnesium can lead to side effects such as diarrhoea, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat.
Magnesium is highly recyclable and can be used in the production of alloys for the automotive and aerospace industries.
Elemental magnesium is a white, lightweight metal. It is solid at room temperature. It is highly reactive. Magnesium is prone to corrosion and has low melting and boiling points. It is highly flammable, has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is relatively ductile. Magnesium is the 11th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. It is used in die coating, flares and fireworks.
Zirconium:
Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and its atomic number is 40. Zirconium is a shiny silver-grey metal. It is a transition metal known for its high resistance to corrosion. Zirconium is extracted from the mineral zircon, which is often found in the sands of coastal waters.
Today, the major producers of zirconium are China, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, and Ukraine. Beyond Earth, the element has been identified in the stars, including the sun, and in lunar rocks.
- Zirconium is widely used in nuclear reactors because it is transparent to neutrons and does not readily absorb them.
- Due to its heat resistance and strength, zirconium is used in aerospace components and military applications.
- Where high corrosion resistance is needed, zirconium is used in the production of chemical reactors, valves and pumps.
- A compound of zirconium zirconia (ZrO₂) is used to make synthetic gemstones (cubic zirconia) as diamond substitutes.
- Zirconium metal is relatively safe to handle. However, its finely divided powder form can be reactive when exposed to air, causing explosions and air hazards.
Tungsten:
Tungsten is a refractory metal, represented by the symbol W, and its atomic number is 74. It is also known as wolfram. It is a very dense, hard and durable metal known for its remarkable properties.
Tungsten is very dense, with a density of 19.25 g/cm³, which is approximately 1.7 times that of lead. It is a very strong metal, and it is used in alloys to increase their strength and resistance to wear.
Tungsten is not found in its pure form; it is extracted from minerals such as wolframite and scheelite.
Tungsten has an extremely high melting point of 3,422°C (6,192°F), the highest of all metals. This property makes tungsten ideal for products that require high temperatures, such as lightbulb filaments, rocket nozzles, and those used in medical fields.
- Tungsten is also found in gamma radiography and oncology instruments. Another modern-day use of tungsten in jewellery is well-known because it is stronger than gold, titanium, and silver.
- Tungsten is also used in electronic devices as an interconnecting material between integrated circuits.
- Tungsten is used for nuclear ballasts because its density is approximately 1.7 times greater than that of lead.
Copper:
Copper is a chemical element represented by the symbol Cu and has an atomic number of 29. Pure copper is a chemical element, not an alloy. It cannot be broken down into simpler substances.
Different processes of copper are given below:
- Mining
- Extraction
- Purification
- Alloying
- Electrorefining
Various types of copper play a crucial role in daily use. Some of them are given below:
- Copper nickels
- Other common copper alloys
- Patina
- Bronze
- Pure copper
- High copper alloy
- Brass
Copper is a reddish, orange or pink metal. It is malleable and ductile. It is moderately reactive and has good corrosion resistance. Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity. It is the 25th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Copper is widely used in electrical wiring, electronics and circuits.
Copper is important in many functions, such as;
- Red blood cell production
- Maintains collagen and elastin production
- Makes the immune system healthy
- Act as an antioxidant to prevent skin aging
Iron:
Iron is a chemical element. It is hard, malleable and ductile. The ductility of iron makes it suitable for use in the construction of buildings, bridges, and automobiles.
Iron is a versatile material used in the production of metalcore. It has a very high density. Iron also forms alloys with elements such as carbon, chromium, and nickel.
It is essential for life and is found in many important biomolecules, where it helps carry out vital functions in the human body and other living organisms. Iron plays a crucial role in living things, as it transports oxygen, facilitates energy production, and supports enzymatic functions. Iron is a critical component of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and organs.
Zinc:
Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. Zinc plays a crucial role in various industries, biological functions and environmental applications. Zinc has a significant application in batteries, die casting, and the chemical industry.
It is a key nutrient for human health, supporting both immune function and the wound-healing process.
Zinc is a recycling element and gives a number of benefits in recycling, such as;
- Energy conservation
- Resource conservation
- Cost efficiency
- Reduced waste
Some leading countries which play a key role in the recycling of zinc, due to their vast need in the modern field, are:
- Chine
- India
- Japan
- Australia
- United states
- South Korea
Zinc is a bluish-white, lustrous metal. It is moderately reactive. Zinc has good corrosion resistance. It has moderate strength and ductility. It is moderately malleable. It is used in batteries, coins and currencies.
Aluminium:
Aluminium is a metal with atomic number 13, represented by the symbol Al. It is the 3rd most abundant element on Earth’s crust, due to its low density, making it one of the most accessible metals.
- Aluminium is a lightweight metal.
- It is solid at room temperature.
- It is relatively reactive.
- It has a high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Aluminium is naturally corrosion-resistant.
- Its thermal conductivity is 50 to 60% of that of copper. Aluminium is non-magnetic as it does not attract magnets.
Chemically, aluminium is very important:
- It is used in the construction of aircraft, buildings, doors and window frames.
- It is used for vehicle purposes like spacecrafts
- It is used in beverages, cans and foils.
- Aluminium is important because it is durable and recyclable.
Brass:
Brass is a popular material due to its bright, gold-like appearance. It has low melting points (900 to 940 °C; 1,650 to 1,720 °F, depending on composition) and high workability with hand tools and with modern turning and milling machines.
If the copper content in brass is higher, the brass is softer and has a more golden colour. On the other hand, if the copper content is lower and the zinc content is higher, the content is harder and more silvery in colour.
- Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
- It has a yellowish colour.
- It is a relatively non-reactive alloy.
- It has good corrosion resistance.
- It reacts with acids and forms hydrogen gas.
- Brass has high strength and ductility.
- Brass is commonly used in applications where corrosion resistance and friction are required, such as locks, gears, bearings, and valves.
- Brass has been widely used to make sculptures and utensils because of its low melting point and high workability.
- It is used extensively in musical instruments, such as horns and bells.
- Different compositions of brass make it a favourable alternative to copper in costume jewellery and fashion jewellery.
Types and Properties
- Alpha-Brass. They are malleable
- Favourable for cold working
- They contain only one phase, which is face-centred cubic crystals
- Alpha-Beta brasses are Favourable for hot working
- Alpha-beta-brasses are also known as duplex brasses
- Beta-phase is body-centred cubic
- Beta-Brasses Beta brasses are favourable for hot working
- They are harder, stronger, and suitable for casting.
- Gamma-Brasses There are also Ag-Zn and Au-Zn gamma brasses.
- The gamma phase is a cubic-lattice intermetallic compound.
- White-Brasses: They are too brittle for general use.
- They have no yellow colour, having a more silvery appearance.
It is highly malleable. The exact quantities of copper and zinc (or other alloying elements) in the brass will determine its type and properties.
Bronze
Bronze is an alloy of copper and zinc. It has a reddish-brown colour. Bronze isn’t as malleable as brass. Bronze exhibits low friction against other metals. It doesn’t boil. It shows excellent corrosion resistance. It has high strength and ductility. Bronze is a widely used alloy. It is stronger and more durable than copper. It has high thermal conductivity.
Silver:
Silver is a chemical element; its symbol is Ag, and its atomic number is 47. Silver is found in the Earth’s crust in its pure elemental form, as well as in alloys with gold and other metals. Silver has been valued as a precious metal.
Silver has been used in many bullion coins and also as an investment medium.
- Silver is a white, shiny metal.
- It is a very precious metal.
- It is relatively non-reactive.
- Silver has good corrosion resistance.
- It has high strength and ductility.
- It is highly malleable.
- Silver is a relatively rare element.
- It is a good conductor of electricity.
- It is used in jewellery and coins.
Lead:
Lead is a chemical element, represented by the symbol Pb, with an atomic number of 82.
Lead is used in construction, plumbing, batteries, bullets, leaded gasoline, and radiation shielding. Lead played a crucial role in the development of the printing press with movable type.
Lead is a neurotoxin ( a toxin that damages the nervous system) that accumulates in soft tissues and bones. It damages the nervous system and causes nervous disorders, and also affects general health, such as cardiovascular diseases and the renal system.
- Lead has a bluish-white colour.
- It has a very high density of 11.348 g/cm3.
- It is relatively non-reactive.
- It shows good corrosion resistance.
- Lead has low strength and ductility.
- It is highly malleable.
- Lead is known as one of the oldest metals.
- It can be alloyed with other elements, i.e., tin.
Gold:
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au; its atomic number is 79. Gold is the most precious and rare of all metals. It is the densest metal among all the metals. In its purest form, it is a bright, slightly orange-yellow, thick, soft, malleable and ductile metal. Chemically, gold is a transition metal, 11th group element and one of the noble metals. It is one of the least reactive metals, and is the 2nd lowest in the reactivity series. It is solid under standard conditions.
- Gold is a bright yellow precious metal.
- Gold is a noble metal.
- It is highly resistant to corrosion.
- It doesn’t react with acids.
- It is highly malleable.
- Gold is a rare element.
- It is used in jewellery and coins.
- It is a good conductor of electricity and heat.
- Gold is highly ductile.
- Historically, gold has been used to mint coins and serve as a standard for currency (gold standard). Even today, gold coins are minted by various governments, including the U.S. Mint and the South African Mint, with notable examples being the U.S. Gold Eagle and the South African Krugerrand. Still, gold is not used in coin minting but remains a popular choice for investment, coins, and bullion due to its stability.
- It is used in connectors, switches, circuit boards, and microchips, particularly in high-end electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and high-performance audio equipment.
Alloy steel:
Alloy steel is a type of steel that is alloyed with other elements, such as chromium and nickel. It doesn’t have a boiling point as it is solid. It varies in appearance. Alloy steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Platinum:
Platinum has the symbol Pt with atomic number 78, and its atomic weight is 195.09
The name platinum is derived from the Spanish word “platina,” meaning “silver.”
- Platinum’s beautiful lustrous appearance, rarity, and resistance to tarnishing make it highly desirable for fine jewellery, including engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, and bracelets.
- Americans use more platinum jewellery than white gold.
- Platinum is used in computer hard disks, thermocouples, optical fibres, LCDs, and spark plugs.
- Platinum is used in pacemakers and dental fillings. Platinum compounds are also used in chemotherapy drugs to treat various types of cancer. It is also used in medical instruments and equipment, such as scalpels and needles.
- Pure platinum is a silver-white metal. It has high density. Pure platinum is lustrous, malleable and ductile. It is more ductile than silver and gold but less malleable than gold. It is a noble metal. It doesn’t react with acids. It shows excellent corrosion resistance. It is the rarest element in the Earth’s crust. Platinum has a high melting point.
Ferrous metal:
Ferrous metals are the metals that contain iron as a primary component. The term “ferrous” originates from the Latin word “ferrum,” meaning iron. Ferrous metals are known for their high strength, ease of moulding, and durability, as well as their good magnetic properties.
Here are some key types of ferrous metals, which are given below,
- Steel: An alloy of carbon and iron. Steel is one of the most widely used ferrous metals. Ferrous metals, such as steel, can be alloyed with other metals like molybdenum, chromium, and nickel. Due to its unique properties, there are three different types of ferrous steel:
- Tool steel
- Stainless steel
- Alloy steel
- Cast iron: It contains a higher carbon content of about 2-4% than steel. It is more brittle than steel. Cast iron is renowned for its ability to be moulded into intricate shapes and its exceptional wear resistance.
- Wrought iron: It is a very pure form of iron and contains a small amount of carbon. Wrought iron is well known for its malleability, ductility and resistance to corrosion. In modern applications, it is replaced by steel.
Wrought iron is widely used in construction and decoration purposes.
Cobalt
Cobalt is a chemical element with the symbol Co and an atomic number of 27. Cobalt is used to make airbags in automobiles, as a catalyst for the petroleum and chemical industries, and in diamond tools.
- Cobalt is a silver, grey and shiny metal.
- It is a transition metal.
- It has high strength and ductility.
- Cobalt is a brittle metal.
- It is a relatively rare metal
- It reacts with acids.
- It shows good corrosion resistance.
- It is a hard metal.
- It is used in magnetic alloys, pigments and catalysts.
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