Metals

Metals are actually a type of mineral and you will find them used in almost every aspect of daily life.  Metals can be pure and have only one element in their atomic structure, or they may be mixed together with several minerals to create a metal.  Each type of metal has different characteristics that set them apart from their neighbors and have each found a special use in our society.  For example, steel has become a standard construction material that is know to have great strength and durability under many conditions.  Titanium is extremely lightweight and strong, but is more expensive and cannot be used in every construction project.  Engineers are able to determine the appropriate places to use each type of metal according to the required strength needed for the project and the budget.

Aluminum is very abundant and is a lightweight metal that provides significant structural support good for many applications such as aircraft, cars, construction, and appliances.  Copper is a good electrical conductor and is therefore used as wires and in electrical components, but can also be used in jewelry and handmade utensils since it is soft.  Lead is extremely dense is is great for protecting against xrays and for electrical interference shielding.  Steel can be hardened to various levels and is a good choice for construction projects, vehicles, cutting tools, and medical instruments.  Zinc and nickel are other metals that can be used in electrical components and as part of alloys.

Find Out More About Metals

The Mineral that Shaped Civilization: Iron

The very first tools where built out of wood and rock because it was easy to obtain and relatively easy to shape.  Someone could find a tree branch and then use a sharpened rock to shape it down to fit the tool that they wanted to make, whether it was a spear, a fish hook, or snowshoes…

Tungsten – The perfect Mineral?

Tungsten is a mineral found in the earth.  The price of tungsten per pound can be found on the LME or COMEX exchange.  The tungsten price per pound is often referred to as the tungsten spot price…