In the guide below, we outline the different types of metals, their traits/properties, their uses, and other relevant information.
Summary – The Different Types Of Metal
The Different Types Of Metals
Metals can be categorised and sub-categorised according to different factors
Some of the ways to categorise some of the main types of metals might be ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, brittle metals, refractory metals, white metals, base metals, noble metals, and precious metals
What We Use Metals For
We use metals for almost every industry across society
We list some of those industries in the guide below
Most Commonly Used Metals
Iron based metals are some of the most commonly used refined metals, such as steel and aluminum.
Where Mined Metals Come From – Ores, Minerals & Metallic Elements
Mined metals come from mined ores that are made up minerals and metallic elements
Turning A Metal Ore Into Refined Metal
Once a metal ore is mined from the Earth, metal needs to be extracted from the ore.
Once metal minerals or elements have ben extracted from the ore, they can then go through other processes to become refined metal (also called pure metal).
Recycled & Recovered Metals
In addition to mined metals, metals can come from used metals which can be recycled, reclaimed and recovered to be used again
The Different Types Of Metal
Metals can be categorised and sub-categorised according to the metal elements they contain, or other factors such as their physical traits, chemical reactivity, economic value, and so on.
Some of the different categories of metal might be:
– Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals are any metals that contain iron (such as steel), as well as alloys of iron (such as stainless steel)
– Non-Ferrous Metals
Non ferrous metals are metals that do not contain iron.
Aluminum, copper, gold, and silver are some examples of common non-ferrous metals
– Brittle Metals
Brittle metals are brittle instead of being malleable or ductile
Some examples of brittle materials are beryllium and also chromium
– Refractory Metals
Refractory metals are extraordinarily resistant to heat and wear
Some examples of refractory metals include niobium and also molybdenum
– White Metals
White metals are white-coloured metals (or their alloys) with relatively low melting points
Some examples of white metals include zinc, cadmium, and tin
– Base Metal
Base metals are metals that are easily oxidized or corroded
Some examples include iron, nickel, lead, and zinc
– Noble Metals
Noble metals are the opposite of base metals i.e. they are resistant to corrosion or oxidation
Some examples include gold, platinum, and silver
– Precious Metals
Precious metals are metals that are of high economic value
According to wikipedia.org, ‘[Chemically, precious metals are] less reactive than most elements, have high luster and high electrical conductivity’
Gold and silver are some examples of precious metals
– Other Ways To Categorise Metals
There are other ways to categorise metals that are not listed above
As just one example, in their guide, techmetalsresearch.com lists the different types of precious metals, rare earth elements, and lastly minor metals
‘Technology’ metals may be their own sub-category of metals too
How We Use Metals Across Different Industries In Society
Metals are used across almost every industry in society.
Just a few examples are buildings, infrastructure like bridges, vehicles, the energy sector, jewelry, defence, and electronics and technology.
You can read more about how metals are being used and will be used in the future in electronics and new technology in this guide.
Metals are present in nearly all aspects of modern life (wikipedia.org)
Most Commonly Used Metals Across Society
Iron based metals are some of the most commonly used refined metals, such as steel and aluminum.
Iron, a heavy metal, may be the most common as it accounts for 90% of all refined metals; aluminium, a light metal, is the next most commonly refined metal (wikipedia.org)
Some of the most common metals are aluminum, copper, carbon steel, and stainless steel (quantummachinerygroup.com)
The metal market consists of establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing all types of metals such as iron and steel, aluminum, base metals, and precious metals.
The industry is highly fragmented [in terms of manufacturers and suppliers]
– lucintel.com
Difference Between Ores, Minerals, & Metallic Elements
Before listing the different types of metals, it’s worth getting a very basic understanding of the difference between ores, minerals, and metallic elements (i.e. where metals come from):
– Ores
Ores are a natural material made up of minerals (and these minerals are made up of elements).
Metals ores are mined from the Earth.
– Minerals & Elements
Minerals are made up of one element (pure mineral), or several elements (compound mineral).
These elements can be metallic elements, or other types of elements.
According to some reports, most minerals found in ores tend to be compounds of different elements, but some can be one element like silver or gold (although, silver usually also contains small amounts of gold, arsenic, and antimony)
Because some minerals found in ores are compounds of different elements, some metals are a by-product of mining for other metals i.e. the extracted ores can contain minerals and elements used for multiple metal products.
– Metallic Elements
You can see a full metallic elements table at wikipedia.org
It’s worth noting that the ‘Lanthanides’ group of metallic elements are actually the rare earth metals, and because of their properties, are used in a lot of new technology and electronics.
You can read more about them at wikipedia.org, or rareearthtechalliance.com
Turning Metal Ores Into Refined Metal
Once metal ores are mined from the Earth, these metal ores are sent to metal refineries to turn a raw metal ore into refined metal.
Metal is extracted from the ore, and then minerals and elements go through other processes of refinement into pure metals.
Ore crushing and dressing might be the first step that processes an ore.
Metallurgy is the second step where minerals are reduced and refined before pure metals are formed.
Recycled & Reclaimed Metals
In addition to mined metals, metals can come from used metals which can be recycled or recovered to be used again
Metals can be recovered from products that contain metal (such as e-waste products), and can also be reclaimed as scrap metal from standalone metal
Sources
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rare-earth_element
3. http://www.rareearthtechalliance.com/What-are-Rare-Earths
4. https://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/mcs/2018/mcs2018.pdf
5. https://www.quantummachinerygroup.com/machinery-blog/2017/7/27/commonly-used-industrial-metals-and-their-properties
6. https://www.lucintel.com/metal-market-2017.aspx
7. https://haz-map.com/Processes/261
8. http://www.techmetalsresearch.com/what-are-technology-metals/
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