What metals shine

The most sonorous metal

The use of metals in everyday life began at the dawn of human development, and the first metal was copper, since it is available in nature and can be easily processed.

It is not without reason that archaeologists during excavations find various products and household utensils made of this metal. In the process of evolution, people gradually learned to combine various metals, obtaining increasingly durable alloys suitable for making tools, and later weapons.

Nowadays, experiments continue, thanks to which it is possible to identify the strongest metals in the world.

Our rating opens with titanium, a high-strength hard metal that immediately attracted attention. The properties of titanium are:

• high specific strength;
• resistance to high temperatures;
• low density;
• corrosion resistance;
• mechanical and chemical resistance.

Titanium is used in the military industry, aviation medicine, shipbuilding, and other areas of production.

The most famous element, considered one of the strongest metals in the world, and under normal conditions is a weak radioactive metal. In nature, it is found both in a free state and in acidic sedimentary rocks. It is quite heavy, widely distributed everywhere and has paramagnetic properties, flexibility, malleability, and relative ductility. Uranium is used in many areas of production.

Known as the most refractory metal in existence, it is one of the strongest metals in the world. It is a solid transitional element of a shiny silver-gray color. It has high strength, excellent refractoriness, and resistance to chemical influences. Due to its properties, it can be forged and drawn into a thin thread. Known as tungsten filament.

Among the representatives of this group, it is considered a high-density transition metal with a silvery-white color. It occurs in nature in its pure form, but is found in molybdenum and copper raw materials.

It is characterized by high hardness and density, and has excellent refractoriness. It has increased strength, which is not lost due to repeated temperature changes. Rhenium is an expensive metal and has a high cost.

Used in modern technology and electronics.

A shiny silver-white metal with a slightly bluish tint, it belongs to the platinum group and is considered one of the strongest metals in the world. Similar to iridium, it has a high atomic density, high strength and hardness.

Since osmium is a platinum metal, it has properties similar to iridium: refractoriness, hardness, brittleness, resistance to mechanical stress, as well as to the influence of aggressive environments.

It has found wide application in surgery, electron microscopy, the chemical industry, rocketry, and electronic equipment.

It belongs to the group of metals and is a light gray element with relative hardness and high toxicity. Due to its unique properties, beryllium is used in a wide variety of production areas:

• nuclear energy;
• aerospace engineering;
• metallurgy;
• laser technology;
• nuclear energy.

Due to its high hardness, beryllium is used in the production of alloying alloys and refractory materials.

Next on the list of the ten strongest metals in the world is chromium - a hard, high-strength metal of a bluish-white color, resistant to alkalis and acids.

It occurs in nature in its pure form and is widely used in various branches of science, technology and production. Chromium is used to create various alloys that are used in the manufacture of medical and chemical processing equipment.

When combined with iron, it forms an alloy called ferrochrome, which is used in the manufacture of metal-cutting tools.

Tantalum deserves bronze in the ranking, as it is one of the strongest metals in the world. It is a silvery metal with high hardness and atomic density. Due to the formation of an oxide film on its surface, it has a leaden tint.

The distinctive properties of tantalum are high strength, refractoriness, resistance to corrosion, and resistance to aggressive environments. The metal is a fairly ductile metal and can be easily machined. Today tantalum is successfully used:

• in the chemical industry;
• during the construction of nuclear reactors;
• in metallurgical production;
• when creating heat-resistant alloys.

The second place in the ranking of the most durable metals in the world is occupied by ruthenium, a silvery metal belonging to the platinum group. Its peculiarity is the presence of living organisms in the muscle tissue.

Valuable properties of ruthenium are high strength, hardness, refractoriness, chemical resistance, and the ability to form complex compounds.

Ruthenium is considered a catalyst for many chemical reactions and acts as a material for the manufacture of electrodes, contacts, and sharp tips.

The most durable metals in the world are led by iridium - a silver-white, hard and refractory metal that belongs to the platinum group. In nature, the high-strength element is extremely rare and is often combined with osmium. Due to its natural hardness, it is difficult to machine and is highly resistant to chemicals. Iridium reacts with great difficulty to exposure to halogens and sodium peroxide.

This metal plays an important role in everyday life. It is added to titanium, chromium and tungsten to improve resistance to acidic environments, used in the manufacture of stationery, and used in jewelry to create jewelry. The cost of iridium remains high due to its limited presence in nature.

Source: https://masakarton.com/samyy-zvonkiy-metall/

Semi-precious metals list - Metalist's Handbook

In ancient times, humanity knew about the existence of seven precious metals associated with the planets of the solar system. Some of them, according to people, have magical powers and extraordinary properties. For example, precious metals shine in the open air and even after a long stay in water, and are also not afraid of strong alkalis, acids and high temperatures. For such characteristics they are considered noble.

Precious metals have always been highly valued, and the more jewelry a person had, the more influential and rich he was considered.

It is precisely because of the high cost, limited reserves and difficulty of extraction that these elements are called precious.

Initially, only two metals were considered noble - gold and silver. In the 18th century, this list in reference books was expanded by platinum and elements belonging to the platinum group.

Today, eight elements are considered noble metals. They are used in various fields. Precious metals include gold and platinum, silver and palladium, as well as the platinum elements: rhodium and osmium, iridium and ruthenium.

Technetium is also recognized as noble, but due to the fact that the metal is radioactive, it was not included in the general list.

And today, precious metals include isotopes that scientists have created artificially. The most expensive of them is californium-252, and the most popular is osmium-187. Detailed information about these precious metals can be obtained in a specialized reference book.

Gold

It is the most valuable and most common precious metal mentioned in reference books. It comes in the form of nuggets, sand, ore impurities and combinations with other chemical elements (electrum).

Gold is characterized by unique properties that distinguish it from other elements. It has low resistance, so it has good electrical conductivity and great thermal conductivity. Gold is ductile and therefore amenable to all types of processing.

It is dense (19.32 g/cm3) and because of this it is heavy. In terms of strength and resistance to aggressive substances, gold is inferior to many elements. In the periodic table, gold (Au) is located in 79th place. The metal is characterized by a yellow color, and the melting point is 1064C.

This element can dissolve in nitric and perchloric acids.

Silver

It is a precious metal with a shiny white color. In the periodic table it is located in 47th place. Silver is mined from ore that contains less than 50% of the precious metal itself.

Silver (Ag) is soft (density 10.5 g/cm3) and ductile, therefore it is amenable to all types of processing, and it also gradually oxidizes in air.

Silver is exposed to aggressive substances, as a result of which it turns black. It has low electrical resistance, so it has good electrical and thermal conductivity. Silver also has good reflectivity. The melting point of silver is 961.9C.

Platinum

Platinum (Pt) ranks second in value. It is found as impurities in ores of other metals. They first learned about it at the time when Columbus discovered America. The process of obtaining it is labor-intensive and expensive. The main feature of platinum is its high resistance to aggressive substances, so it is not afraid of acids. Even during the heating process, it does not oxidize and does not change its natural white color.

In the periodic table, platinum ranks 78th. It has increased density (21.45 g/cm3), plasticity and increased refractoriness (melts at 1772C).

Detailed information about the precious metal can be obtained in a specialized reference book.

Palladium

According to reference books, palladium (Pd) is a light metal, its density is 12.02 g/m3. It is found as an impurity in copper and nickel ores, which makes it the most accessible among the other platinum group elements.

The main features of palladium are: ductility, corrosion resistance, and hydrogen absorption. Melting point 1552C. In the periodic table, palladium is located in 46th place. The metal can be processed and polished and retains its white color for a long time.

Rhodium

According to the majority, gold is the most expensive and noble metal. This is not true because there are even more expensive elements, such as Rhodium (Rh). Rhodium has a silver color with a blue tint. It is refractory (melts at 1960C). The price of a gram of rhodium ranges from $200 to $230, so it is used where other elements cannot cope with the task. The high price of rhodium is due to the fact that this element is very rare.

This metal has good resistance to aggressive substances. The density of rhodium is 12.42 g/m3, which is less than that of other elements of the platinum group. It is most often used to coat other materials to improve their performance characteristics, because rhodium has good reflectivity and is not afraid of water and acids. According to reference books, only alkaline mixtures of cyanide can dissolve rhodium.

Ruthenium

Ruthenium (Ru) was named after Russia because it was discovered there. Ruthenium is a rare element. The metal has high refractoriness (melts at 2950C), chemical resistance, hardness and other valuable characteristics. In addition, ruthenium has excellent catalytic properties. The main disadvantage is fragility.

In the periodic table, ruthenium is placed in 44th place. This metal is characterized by a white color with a silvery tint, so it is very similar to platinum.

Iridium

It is a dense heavy metal (22.42 g/m3). In addition, it has high hardness, which causes problems with its processing. Iridium is very rare in nature. It is very durable, but at the same time fragile.

In the periodic table, iridium (Ir) is placed at 77th place. The characteristic differences of iridium are its silver-white color with a gray tint and high refractoriness (melts at 2450C). Unaffected by aggressive substances.

Osmium

Osmium (Os) is the heaviest and most fragile element. It has a silver-white color and its density is 22.48 g/m3. In addition, osmium is hard and the most refractory (melts at 3047C), which are its main advantages. All this makes osmium a difficult material to process. In the periodic table, osmium occupies line 76.

This element is very rare and cannot be found in its pure form. Rarity is the main reason why osmium is so expensive, resulting in very little use of it. More information about rare metal can be found in the reference book.

Electrical engineering

The unique properties of noble metals make it possible to protect electrical contacts from oxidation and burnout, which makes them reliable and trouble-free when used in electrical engineering.

Alloys of many precious metals are used in high-precision instruments and electronics. Silver salts (silver iodide, silver bromide, silver chloride) are used in the production of photosensitive elements.

Solders made from these precious elements are used in the manufacture of critical electrical devices where strength and reliability are required.

Many rare elements are used in the production of heating elements, thermocouples, etc.

Jewelry industry

All noble alloys are used by jewelers. They are used to make elegant earrings and beautiful rings, lovely bracelets and chains, crosses and cigarette cases, eyeglass frames and other products. By adding certain metals to alloys, jewelers manage to improve the performance properties of jewelry.

What are precious metals for jewelers? Jewelers value not only the beautiful shine and color of materials, but also the unique properties of precious metals. In particular, the fact that they almost do not react with the human body, as a result of which, in general, they do not cause allergies and skin diseases.

In addition, precious metals in the form of jewelry bring joy to their owners for a long time and are often inherited from generation to generation.

Chemistry

The properties of precious alloys, such as resistance to aggressive substances and catalytic abilities, make them indispensable in chemistry. They are used to make special equipment and utensils for alkalis and acids. Due to their unique catalytic properties, some of these elements are used in the production of various substances (gasoline, aromatics, etc.).

Automotive industry

Catalysts are manufactured for exhaust systems. Noble metals, which are used in the manufacture of automotive parts, can effectively neutralize harmful chemical compounds. For such purposes, rhodium, platinum and palladium are mainly used.

Medicine

Noble metals are used in the production of surgical and other instruments and various parts for equipment. Some metals are also used in dentistry to make dentures. Many compounds of these precious elements are included in the composition of drugs, which can be clarified in the reference book of drugs.

Space

Precious alloys are necessary for the construction of spacecraft, since only they can ensure their reliability and reliability, and they are also able to cope with various overloads.

  Artificial aging of metal

Glass industry

Precious materials are also used in the glass industry, in particular, they are used to make containers for glass melting. They are used in mirrors for lasers.

There are many industries that currently use noble metals. Our ancestors mainly made money and jewelry from these metals, but today the areas of application of these materials are increasing every day.

Banking sector

Noble metals, in particular gold and silver, were used in ancient times to make money. Silver gradually lost its relevance.

Today, coins are still made from precious elements, and investment banking bullion is also poured from them. This allows people to invest their capital profitably, since regular currency is constantly depreciating, but bars and coins are always in value. Today, everyone can invest their savings in precious metals of the highest standard. In addition, today many financial organizations offer citizens to open special metal accounts.

Making investments in noble elements is very profitable, since in the long term, the owner can receive impressive profits. Metal accounts have one drawback - the lack of deposit insurance, which promises the bank client a big risk. In conclusion, here is a list of investment precious metals:

MetalPrice(RUB)

Gold	2303,3
Silver	31,55
Platinum	1715
Palladium	1467

Source: https://ssk2121.com/poludragotsennye-metally-spisok/

The strongest metal in the world

Metals have been used by man since the dawn of civilization. One of the first known was copper, due to its ease of processing and widespread use. Archaeologists have found thousands of copper items during excavations.

Progress does not stand still, and soon humanity learned to produce durable alloys to make weapons and agricultural tools.

To this day, experiments with metals do not stop, so it has become possible to determine which is the strongest metal in the world.

Tantalum

The first on Earth to discover this metal was the Swedish scientist Ekeberg. But the chemist was never able to isolate it in its pure form; difficulties arose with this, which is why it received the name of the Greek hero of myths, Tantalus. Tantalum began to be actively used only during the Second World War.

Tantalum is a hard, durable, silver-colored metal that exhibits little activity at ordinary temperatures, oxidizes only when heated above 280°C, and melts only at almost 3300 Kelvin.

Despite its strength, tantalum is quite ductile, approximately like gold, and working with it is not difficult

Tantalum can be used as a substitute for stainless steels; the service life may differ by as much as twenty years.

Tantalum is also used:

• in aviation for the manufacture of heat-resistant parts;
• in chemistry as part of anti-corrosion alloys;
• in nuclear energy, since it is extremely resistant to cesium vapor;
• medicine for the manufacture of implants and prostheses;
• in computer technology for the production of superconductors;
• in military affairs for various types of projectiles;
• in jewelry, since during oxidation it can acquire different shades.

Chromium

This metal is considered biogenic, which means it can have a positive effect on living organisms.
For example, the amount of chromium regulates cholesterol levels. If chromium in the body is less than six milligrams, this leads to a sharp increase in cholesterol in the blood. You can get chromium ions, for example, from pearl barley, duck, liver or beets. Chrome is refractory, does not react to moisture and does not oxidize (only when heated above 600°C).

The metal is actively used to create chrome coatings and dental crowns.

Beryllium

This durable metal was previously called glucinium because people noted its sweet taste. In addition, this substance has many more amazing properties. He is reluctant to enter into chemical reactions. Extremely durable: it has been experimentally established that beryllium wire a millimeter thick can support the weight of an adult. For comparison, aluminum wire can only withstand twelve kilograms.

Beryllium is very poisonous. When ingested, it can replace magnesium in the bones, a condition called berylliosis. It is accompanied by a dry cough and swelling of the lungs and can lead to death. Toxicity is perhaps the only significant drawback of beryllium for humans. Otherwise, it has a lot of advantages and a lot of uses: heavy industry, nuclear fuel, aviation and astronautics, metallurgy, medicine.

Beryllium is very light compared to some alkali metals

Rhenium

This metal has a very strong structure. It itself is whitish in color, and when crushed into powder it turns black. The metal is very rare and is mined in combination with other ores and minerals. The concentration of rhenium in nature is negligible.

Due to the incredible high cost, the substance is used only in cases of extreme necessity. Previously, its alloys, due to their heat resistance, were used in aviation and rocketry, including for equipping supersonic fighters. It was this area that was the main point of world consumption of rhenium, making it a material of military-strategic use.

Rhenium is used to make filaments and springs for measuring instruments, self-cleaning contacts and special catalysts necessary for the production of gasoline. This is what has increased the demand for rhenium significantly in recent years. The world market is literally ready to fight for this rare metal.

In the whole world there is only one full-fledged deposit of it, and it is located in Russia, the second, much smaller one, is in Finland

Scientists have invented a new substance, which in its properties can become stronger than known metals. It was called "Liquid Metal". Experiments with it began quite recently, but it has already proven itself. It is quite possible that Liquid Metal will soon supplant the metals that are so well known to us.

Source: https://megatopof.ru/priroda/krepkiy-metall.html

The hardest metal in the world

Our world is full of amazing facts that are interesting to many people. The properties of various metals are no exception. Among these elements, of which there are 94 in the world, there are the most ductile and malleable, and there are also those with high electrical conductivity or a high resistance coefficient. This article will talk about the hardest metals, as well as their unique properties.

Iridium ranks first in the list of metals that are distinguished by the greatest hardness. It was discovered at the beginning of the 19th century by the English chemist Smithson Tennant. Iridium has the following physical properties:

• has a silvery-white color;
• its melting point is 2466 °C;
• boiling point – 4428 oC;
• resistance – 5.3·10−8Ohm·m.

Because iridium is the hardest metal on the planet, it is difficult to process. But it is still used in various industrial fields. For example, it is used to make small balls that are used in pen nibs. Iridium is used to make components for space rockets, some parts for cars, and more.

Iridium

Very little iridium occurs in nature. Findings of this metal are a kind of evidence that meteorites fell in the place where it was discovered. These cosmic bodies contain significant amounts of metal. Scientists believe that our planet is also rich in iridium, but its deposits are closer to the Earth's core.

Tungsten

Silver-gray tungsten is not only one of the hardest metals, it also leads in refractoriness. It can only be melted at a temperature of 3422 °C.

Due to this property, it is used to create incandescent elements. Alloys made from this element have high strength and are often used for military purposes. Tungsten is also used to make surgical instruments.

It is also used to make containers in which radioactive materials are stored.

Tungsten

Uranus

One of the hardest metals is uranium. It was discovered in 1840 by the chemist Peligo. D.I. Mendeleev made a great contribution to the study of the properties of this metal. The radioactive properties of uranium were discovered by the scientist A. A. Becquerel in 1896. Then a chemist from France called the detected metal radiation Becquerel rays. Uranium is often found in nature. The countries with the largest deposits of uranium ore are Australia, Kazakhstan and Russia.

Uranus

The final place in the top ten hardest metals goes to titanium. For the first time this element was obtained in its pure form by the chemist J. Ya. Berzelius from Sweden in 1825. Titanium is a lightweight silver-white metal that is highly durable and resistant to corrosion and mechanical stress. Titanium alloys are used in many branches of mechanical engineering, medicine and the chemical industry.

Titanium

Source: https://topkin.ru/best/nauka/samyiy-tverdyiy-metall/

Steel is the new gold: which jewelry to choose

Steel is a strong rival to silver, white gold and platinum when it comes to the look of a cool and elegant shiny metal. What do you need to know about steel jewelry and how to care for it?

High-quality stainless steel 316L (code 03Х17Н14М3 according to GOST) - it is also surgical, it is also jewelry.

Simply put, jewelers use the same alloy that goes into scalpels, implants and parts of medical equipment, housewares and cutlery. It is durable, very resistant to corrosion and damage, and hypoallergenic.

It is no coincidence that piercings - jewelry that must literally be worn on the body - are made of 316L steel (but! for primary piercings, until the puncture has healed, it is recommended to wear a titanium product).

On a note! Stainless steel was invented in 1913 by British metallurgist and scientist Harry Brearley while working on alloys for gun barrels.

What are the advantages of steel over other materials?

Steel jewelry SL: (prices via links)

Steel does not lose its “new” appearance for a very long time. At the same time, it is much more durable than precious metals, does not oxidize and does not darken over time, and is not afraid of the effects of salt (sea) water, ultraviolet radiation, various acids - the same as orange juice accidentally spilled on a hand with a bracelet or ring.

Let us repeat, steel does not cause allergies (strictly speaking, an allergy to gold and silver is our body’s “rejection” of contact with base metals included in jewelry alloys of gold and silver of various grades). It is very difficult to damage steel jewelry - scratch it, get a dent.

Finally, the advantage is the price, and also the fact that, despite their low cost, steel products look very, very decent.

On a note! 316L stainless steel, unlike some jewelry alloys, does not contain lead - a metal dangerous to our body

Is steel fashionable?

Indeed, both in the Old and New Worlds they willingly buy it under the motto “Steel is the new gold!” Buyers like this material for its more than affordable price, health safety, noble appearance and variety of product designs.

Steel jewelry can be made in any style: from classic and ethnic to avant-garde and brutal rock. Not only the inherent mirror shine of steel is relevant. Modern technologies make it possible to give “strong-willed” material a spectacular matte appearance.

This makes the finished jewelry even more expensive in the eyes of everyone who sees it on you.

Steel jewelry SL: SL (price on the link)

How to choose steel jewelry?

A high-quality accessory cannot cost less than 150 rubles if we are talking, for example, about a ring of a simple design. A temptingly low price tag is inherent in non-factory jewelry from China, Korea and other Asian countries, made from steel with unsatisfactory characteristics. Such a product can rust, darken, and break.

Steel jewelry is a product subject to certification. The seller must have a certificate that says “Piercing Jewelry” in black and white (this is true even if you are buying costume jewelry).

On a note! A steel ring, unlike a silver or gold one, cannot be enlarged (stretched) or reduced (compressed). Steel is too strong a material, so when buying jewelry it is better not to make mistakes with the size

Why are some steel jewelry colored?

Source: https://sunmag.me/tsennosti/10-09-2015-stal-novoe-zoloto-kakie-ukrasheniya-vybrat.html

List of heavy metals: types and features

Of all 104 chemical elements known to mankind today, 82 are metals. They occupy a prominent place in the lives of people in the industrial, biological and environmental spheres. Modern science divides metals into heavy, light and noble. In this article we will look at the list of heavy metals and their features.

Determination of heavy metals

Initially, it was customary to call heavy metals those representatives that have an atomic mass above 50. However, the use of this term today occurs more often not from a chemical point of view, but depending on their impact on environmental pollution. Thus, the list of heavy metals includes those metals and metalloids (semi-metals) that pollute elements of the human biosphere (soil, water). Let's look at them.

How many elements does the list of heavy metals include?

Today there is no consensus on the number of elements in this list, since there are no general criteria classifying metals as heavy. However, the list of heavy metals can be formed depending on the various properties of the metals and their characteristics. These include:

• Atomic weight. Based on this criterion, these include more than 40 elements with an atomic mass exceeding 50 amu (g/mol).
• Density. Based on this criterion, those metals whose density is equal to or exceeds that of iron are considered heavy.
• Biological toxicity combines heavy metals that negatively affect the life of humans and living organisms. There are about 20 elements in their list.

Effect on the human body

Most of these substances have a negative effect on all living organisms. Due to their significant atomic mass, they are poorly transported and accumulate in human tissues, causing various diseases. Thus, for the human body, cadmium, mercury and lead are recognized as the most dangerous and heaviest metals.

The list of toxic elements is grouped by degree of danger according to the so-called Mertz rules, according to which the most toxic metals have the smallest exposure range:

1. Cadmium, mercury, thallium, lead, arsenic (a group of the most dangerous metal poisons, exceeding permissible limits can lead to serious psycho-physiological disorders and even death).
2. Cobalt, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, antimony, scandium, zinc.
3. Barium, manganese, strontium, vanadium, tungsten

This does not mean, however, that none of the elements grouped above, according to Mertz's rules, should be present in the human body. On the contrary, the list of heavy metals includes these and more than 20 other elements, a small concentration of which is not only not dangerous for human life, but is also necessary in metabolic processes, especially iron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and even zinc.

Environmental pollution with heavy metals

Elements of the biosphere that are polluted by heavy metals are soil and water. Most often, the culprits for this are metallurgical enterprises that process light and heavy non-ferrous metals. The list of polluting agents also includes waste incineration plants, automobile exhausts, boiler houses, chemical production companies, printing companies, and even power plants.

The most common toxins are: lead (automotive production), mercury (example of distribution: thermometers broken in everyday life and fluorescent lighting fixtures), cadmium (formed as a result of burning garbage). In addition, most factories in production use one or another element that can be characterized as heavy. The metal group, the list of which was given above, most often enters water bodies in the form of waste and then reaches humans along the trophic chain.

In addition to man-made factors of pollution of nature with heavy metals, there are also natural ones - these are volcanic eruptions, in the lava of which an increased content of cadmium was found.

Features of the distribution of the most toxic metals in nature

Mercury in nature is most localized in water and air. Mercury enters the waters of the world's oceans from industrial drains, and mercury vapors formed as a result of coal combustion are also found. Toxic compounds accumulate in living organisms, especially in seafood.

Lead has a wide distribution area. It accumulates in the mountains, and in the soil, and in water, and in living organisms, and even in the air, in the form of exhaust gases from cars. Of course, lead also enters the environment as a result of anthropological action in the form of industrial waste and non-recycled waste (accumulators and batteries).

And the source of environmental pollution with cadmium is wastewater from industrial enterprises, as well as natural factors: weathering of copper ores, soil leaching, as well as the results of volcanic activity.

Scope of application of heavy metals

Despite the toxicity, modern industry creates a huge variety of useful products by processing heavy non-ferrous metals, the list of which includes alloys of copper, zinc, lead, tin, nickel, titanium, zirconium, molybdenum, etc.

Copper is a highly plastic material that is used to make a variety of wires, pipes, kitchen utensils, jewelry, roofing and much more. In addition, it is widely used in mechanical engineering and shipbuilding.

Zinc has high anti-corrosion properties, so the use of zinc alloys for coating metal products (so-called galvanizing) is common. Areas of application for zinc products: construction, mechanical engineering, printing (production of printed forms), rocket science, chemical industry (production of varnishes and paints) and even medicine (antiseptics, etc.).

Lead melts easily, so it is used as a raw material in many industries: paint and varnish, chemical, automotive (part of batteries), radio electronics, medical (production of protective aprons for patients during X-ray examinations).

Source: https://FB.ru/article/300068/spisok-tyajelyih-metallov-vidyi-i-osobennosti

The most interesting metal alloys

It is known that metals are rarely used in their pure form. Most often we are surrounded by various metal compounds and their alloys. Alloys are substances consisting of chemical elements, one of which is a metal.

Preparation of alloys

It was noticed a long time ago that if you mix molten metals and cool the resulting mixture, you get a substance whose properties differ from the properties of each of the metals. So, if aluminum is added to molten copper, then as a result of a chemical reaction a new compound with the formula AlCu is obtained.

Alloys are obtained in various ways. If the molten components are mixed and then the resulting melt is crystallized, a cast alloy is obtained. Crystallization is the process of transition from a liquid to a solid state.

In this case, a compound with a crystalline structure is formed. And if the powders of the components are mixed, and then the mixture is sintered at high temperature, an alloy is obtained, which is called a powder alloy.

To improve properties, elements called alloying elements are introduced into alloys.

Types of alloys

Alloys can contain only metals or compounds of metals with non-metals.

The alloy usually gets its name from the name of the element that is contained in the alloy in the largest quantity and forms the basis of the alloy. So, if the base of the alloy is iron, then the alloys are called ferrous.

And if the basis of the alloys is non-ferrous metals, then the alloys are called non-ferrous. There are also alloys of rare metals and alloys of radioactive metals.

Ferrous alloys

Alloys can have two or more components.

The most famous ferrous alloys are steel and cast iron. Both of these alloys are a mixture of iron and carbon. But cast iron contains much more carbon than steel. In addition to carbon, cast iron contains sulfur, phosphorus, manganese and silicon. These elements are also added to steel, but in much smaller quantities. Cast iron is a brittle material.

It is used where forging is not required. But steel is not only durable, but also a ductile material. Therefore, it is widely used in industry in metal structures, mechanisms, parts, for the manufacture of cutting tools, etc.

In our home we are surrounded by stainless steel products: knives, forks, spoons, scissors, graters, pots.

Non-ferrous alloys

The most famous copper alloys are bronze and brass.

An alloy of copper and tin is called bronze. In the 3rd millennium BC, tools were made from copper, since copper deposits at that time were huge.

It turned out that if copper is combined with tin, a substance is obtained that is more amenable to casting. This is how bronze was obtained for the first time. The next millennium was called the “Bronze Age”. In the 15th century Guns began to be cast from bronze.

Nowadays, bronze is used in mechanical engineering for the manufacture of various parts.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Used in the production of equipment, the automotive industry, and the chemical industry. Interestingly, brass is similar in appearance to gold. Therefore, until the 19th century, it was often passed off as gold.

The combination of copper and aluminum is called aluminum bronze. Aluminum bronze is a very ductile material.

Cupronickel is an alloy of copper and nickel. Used to make cutlery and art products.

The well-known aluminum alloy duralumin is a compound of aluminum with copper, magnesium and manganese. Used in the aviation industry and aircraft construction.

Magnesium, titanium, and beryllium alloys also find their use in industry and medicine.

Metals and alloys play a very important role in various types of human activity. It is impossible to list all the areas in which metals and their alloys are used.

Source: https://steelfactoryrus.com/samye-interesnye-splavy-metallov/

Imitations of gold - what metals are similar to gold, how to distinguish

The attitude towards imitation gold is twofold. On the one hand, this is still a fake, on the other hand, the appearance of the product or its content can be so noble that it more than compensates for the obvious lack of gold. This applies to the gilding of temple domes, coating of objects of art, and elements of exclusive furniture with materials similar to gold.

The history of counterfeits and legal substitutes for gold is so rich in facts that when asking the question: what is the name of a metal similar to gold, you can get an answer that will take more than a dozen pages. We will consider the most famous pseudo-gold alloys used in our time. So what material is similar to gold?

Abyssinian gold

The first and most honest specimen will be Abyssinian gold. The presence of microscopic fractions of precious metal in the composition of the metal gives it some right to be called gold.

The main problem of any imitation is low corrosion resistance. Ethiopian jewelers, who were brilliant swindlers, or simply enterprising chemists, created an alloy similar to gold, which did not become covered with patina for a long time and could pass for gold in the eyes of even an experienced specialist.

The new material was named after the old name of the country - Abyssinian. The basis of the alloy was copper, the content of which was almost 90%. The remaining parts were supplemented by zinc, and gold was added to corrosion resistance in very small doses - only 0.5%.

This amount of precious metal was enough to make Abyssinian gold resistant to external influences.

We recommend reading: The most expensive gold of Tsarist Russia

Abyssinian gold is used to make “gold” metal crowns, in microelectronics and in jewelry.

French gold

This metal, similar to gold, is called, like its precious prototype, gold, with the prefix French. In this alloy, the original is completely absent and they are united only by color.

Another feature that reveals the imperfection of most fakes is the lack of the sparkling shine inherent in gold. However, talented chemists have created a metal alloy from copper, zinc and tin, which reproduces both the yellow-golden color and shine of precious gold. Its name among jewelers is Oraide or French gold. The percentage of components in this alloy is: 58% Cu, 25% Zn, 17% Sn.

French gold is used to make haberdashery, jewelry, and is used as a material to create art objects. On them you will not find a seal with the hallmark corresponding to gold products.

Red brass

The brass-based alloy, known since the 17th century, looks like gold and behaves like gold. Tompak is slightly susceptible to corrosion and has a good shine; its color, like the color of gold, varies from yellow with red to light gold. The shades of the metal depend on the amount of copper, the usual content of which in the alloy is up to 90%. The amount of zinc is less than 10%. This metal, similar to gold, does not react to magnets.

Tompak has several additional names, among which the most common are similor, oreid and chrysorin.

The metal is used to make expensive furniture fittings, “gilded” decorative elements, dishes, interior items, insignia, sewing items, parts of wind musical instruments, coins and medals. In Russia, tombak is used as the basis for the main school award - the gold medal.

Titanium nitride

The combination of titanium with nitrogen gives rise to a special alloy - titanium nitride. This material, similar to gold, has truly unique characteristics. It is resistant to all types of atmospheric influences, does not react to hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, does not melt at temperatures up to 800 degrees, and does not lose its properties over time.

We recommend reading: Iridium - price per 1 gram in rubles

Thanks to these qualities, titanium nitride is used to imitate the effect of gilding church domes, interior decoration items, elements of exterior decoration of buildings and decorative metal structures.

Customers of large outdoor advertising projects, asking what metal is similar to gold, also receive an offer to coat their advertising installations with titanium nitride.

This beautiful and uniquely durable alloy is used to cover the surface of the cutting edges of medical instruments, tableware and decorative edged weapons.

By knowing that these imitations of gold are available, you are already protected as a buyer because you know that not everything is gold that looks like it. In order to learn how to distinguish fakes, we also recommend that you read our article on how to check gold for authenticity.

Source: http://inzoloto.ru/precious-metalls/imitatsii-zolota-iz-chego-sdelanyi-kak-otlichit-poddelku

TOP 10 most durable metals in the world

Metal is a material that is typically highly durable, shiny, and easy to change shape. Generally, all metals have good electrical conductivity. But not all metals are alike. That is why they are used for different purposes depending on the task at hand. In the periodic table of Mendeleev, 91 of the 118 elements are considered metals, but not all of them have sufficient strength.

What makes metal strong?

The strength of the metal depends on the following properties:

1. Tensile strength: how well the metal resists being stretched;

2. Compressive strength: how well the metal can withstand compression;

3. Yield Strength: How well a rod or beam of a particular metal resists bending and permanent damage;

4. Impact resistance: the ability to resist breaking when colliding with another object or surface.

The strongest metals

No. 1: Tungsten - production of bullets and missiles;

No. 2: Steel - construction of railways, roads and other infrastructure;

No. 3: Chrome - stainless steel production;

No. 4: Titanium - used in the aerospace industry as a lightweight yet durable metal;

No. 5: Iron - bridge construction, electricity, cutting tools, etc.;

#6: Vanadium – 80% vanadium is alloyed with iron to make the steel resistant to impact and corrosion;

No. 7: Lutetium - as a catalyst in oil production;

No. 8: Zirconium - use in nuclear power plants;

No. 9: Osmium is an additive for platinum or indium to strengthen metals;

#10: Tantalum - Used as an additive in alloys due to its high melting point and corrosion resistance.

The current price for the coin “St. George the Victorious” is HERE

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Problems in the global economy and the gold market

Source: https://gold.ru/news/top-10-samye-prochnye-metally-v-mire.html

The heaviest metals in the world

Humanity began to actively use metals back in 3000-4000 BC. Then people became acquainted with the most common of them: gold, silver, copper. These metals were very easy to find on the surface of the earth. A little later they learned about chemistry and began to isolate such species as tin, lead and iron. In the Middle Ages, very poisonous types of metals gained popularity.

There was arsenic in use, which poisoned more than half of the royal court in France. So did mercury, which helped cure various diseases of those times, from sore throat to the plague. Already before the twentieth century, more than 60 metals were known, and at the beginning of the 21st century - 90. Progress does not stand still and leads humanity forward.

But the question arises, which metal is heavy and weighs more than all the others? And in general, what are they, these heaviest metals in the world?

Many people mistakenly think that gold and lead are the heaviest metals. Why exactly did this happen? Many of us grew up watching old movies and seeing the main character using a lead plate to protect himself from vicious bullets. In addition, lead plates are still used today in some types of body armor. And when you hear the word gold, many people think of a picture of heavy ingots of this metal. But thinking that they are the heaviest is a mistake!

To determine the heaviest metal, one must take into account its density, because the higher the density of a substance, the heavier it is.

TOP 10 heaviest metals in the world

1. Osmium (22.62 g/cm3),
2. Iridium (22.53 g/cm3),
3. Platinum (21.44 g/cm3),
4. Rhenium (21.01 g/cm3),
5. Neptunium (20.48 g/cm3),
6. Plutonium (19.85 g/cm3),
7. Gold (19.85 g/cm3)
8. Tungsten (19.21 g/cm3),
9. Uranium (18.92 g/cm3),
10. Tantalum (16.64 g/cm3).

And where is the lead? And he is located much lower on this list, in the middle of the second ten.

Osmium and iridium are the heaviest metals in the world

Let's look at the main heavyweights who share 1st and 2nd places. Let's start with iridium and at the same time say words of gratitude to the English scientist Smithson Tennat, who in 1803 obtained this chemical element from platinum, where it was present along with osmium as an impurity. Iridium can be translated from ancient Greek as “rainbow”.

The metal is white with a silver tint and can be called not only the heaviest, but also the most durable. There is very little of it on our planet and only up to 10,000 kg are mined per year. It is known that most iridium deposits can be found at meteorite impact sites.

Some scientists come to the conclusion that this metal was previously widespread on our planet, but due to its weight, it constantly squeezed itself closer to the center of the Earth. Iridium is now widely in demand in industry and is used to generate electrical energy.

Paleontologists also like to use it, and with the help of iridium they determine the age of many finds. In addition, this metal can be used to coat some surfaces. But this is difficult to do.

Iridium

Next, let's look at osmium. It is the heaviest in the periodic table of Mendeleev, and, accordingly, the heaviest metal in the world. Osmium is tin-white with a blue tint and was also discovered by Smithson Tennat at the same time as iridium.

Osmium is almost impossible to process and is mainly found at meteorite impact sites. It smells unpleasant, the smell is like a mixture of chlorine and garlic. And from ancient Greek it is translated as “smell”. The metal is quite refractory and is used in light bulbs and other devices with refractory metals.

For just one gram of this element you have to pay more than $10,000, which makes it clear that the metal is very rare.

Osmium

Whatever one may say, the heaviest metals are very rare and therefore they are expensive. And we must remember for the future that neither gold nor lead are the heaviest metals in the world! Iridium and osmium are the winners in weight!

Source: http://www.alto-lab.ru/elements/samye-tyazhelye-metally-v-mire/

What is the strongest metal in the world - TOP 5 elements

Metals include substances that have specific properties characteristic of them. In this case, high ductility and malleability, as well as electrical conductivity and a number of other parameters are taken into account. Which of them is the strongest metal in the world can be found out from the data below.

About metals in nature

The word “metal” came into Russian from German. Since the 16th century it has been found in books, although quite rarely. Later, in the era of Peter I, it began to be used more often, and then the word had the general meaning of “ore, mineral, metal.” And only during the period of M.V.’s activity. Lomonosov these concepts were differentiated.

In nature, metals are found quite rarely in their pure form. Basically, they are part of various ores, and also form various compounds, such as sulfides, oxides, carbonates and others.

In order to obtain pure metals, and this is very important for their future use, they need to be isolated and then purified. If necessary, metals are alloyed - special impurities are added in order to change their properties.

Currently, there is a division into ferrous metal ores, which include iron, and non-ferrous ores. Precious or noble metals include gold, platinum and silver.

There are metals even in the human body. Calcium, sodium, magnesium, copper, iron - this is a list of these substances that are found in the greatest quantities.

How are metals produced?

Metal-containing ores are considered the source of these most necessary substances for all modern humanity. To find out their exact location, certain search methods are used, which are based on exploration and study of deposits. Metals are obtained as follows:

1. Ore deposits are developed by open-pit or quarry, as well as underground or mine. Combined methods are possible.
2. Ore beneficiation is the separation of useful components from raw materials, so-called ore concentrates.
3. Extraction of metals from enriched ores by chemical or electrolytic reduction using high temperatures or aqueous chemistry.
4. Most often, metals are smelted, the ore and a reducing agent are heated to very high temperatures. For iron, carbon is usually used.

Depending on their further use, metals are divided into groups:

1. Construction materials. Both the metals themselves and their alloys with significantly improved properties are used. In this case, strength, impermeability to liquids and gases, and homogeneity are valued.
2. Materials for tools, most often referring to the working part. Tool steels and hard alloys are suitable for this purpose.
3. Electrical materials. Such metals are used as good conductors of electricity. The most common of them are copper and aluminum. They are also used as materials with high resistance - nichrome and others.

The strongest of metals

The strength of metals is their ability to resist destruction under the influence of internal stresses, which can arise when external forces influence these materials. This is also the property of a structure to maintain its characteristics for a certain time.

Many alloys are quite strong and resistant not only to physical but also chemical influences; they are not pure metals. There are metals that can be called the most durable.

Titanium, which melts at a temperature above 1,941 K (1660±20 °C), uranium, which is a radioactive metal, refractory tungsten, which boils at a temperature of at least 5,828 K (5555 °C). As well as others that have unique properties and are necessary in the process of manufacturing parts, tools and objects using the most modern technologies.

The five most durable of them include metals whose properties are already known; they are widely used in various sectors of the national economy and are used in scientific experiments and developments.

5. Rhenium

Found in molybdenum ores and copper raw materials. Has high hardness and density. Very refractory. Its strength cannot be reduced even under the influence of critical temperature changes. Widely used in many electronic devices and technical means.

4. Beryllium

A rare-earth metal with a silver-gray tint and shiny, crystalline formations when broken. Interestingly, beryllium crystals taste somewhat sweet, which is why it was originally called “glucinium,” which means “sweet.”

Thanks to this metal, a new technology has emerged, which is used in the synthesis of artificial stones - emeralds, aquamarines, for the needs of the jewelry industry. Beryllium was discovered while studying the properties of beryl, a semi-precious stone. In 1828, the German scientist F. Wöller obtained metallic beryllium.

It does not interact with x-rays, therefore, it is actively used to create special devices. In addition, beryllium alloys are used in the manufacture of neutron reflectors and moderators for installation in a nuclear reactor.

Its fire-resistant and anti-corrosion properties, high thermal conductivity make it an indispensable element for creating alloys used in aircraft construction and the aerospace industry.

3. Chrome

This metal was discovered in the Middle Urals. M.V. wrote about him. Lomonosov in his work “The First Foundations of Metallurgy” in 1763. It is very widespread, its most famous and extensive deposits are located in South Africa, Kazakhstan and Russia (Urals). of this metal in ores fluctuates greatly.

Its color is light blue, with a tint. In its pure form it is very hard and can be processed quite well. It serves as an important component for the creation of alloy steels, especially stainless steels, used in the electroplating and aerospace industries.

Its alloy with iron, ferrochrome, is necessary for the production of metal-cutting tools.

2. Tantalum

This metal is considered valuable, since its properties are only slightly lower than those of noble metals. It has strong resistance to various acids and is not susceptible to corrosion.

Tantalum is used in various designs and compounds, for the manufacture of products of complex shapes and as a basis for the production of acetic and phosphoric acids. The metal is used in medicine because it can be combined with human tissue.

The rocket industry needs the heat-resistant alloy of tantalum and tungsten because it can withstand temperatures of 2,500 °C. Tantalum capacitors are installed on radar devices and used in electronic systems as transmitters.

1. Iridium

Iridium is considered one of the strongest metals in the world. The metal is silver in color and very hard. It is classified as a platinum group metal. It is difficult to process and, moreover, refractory. Iridium practically does not interact with caustic substances.

It is used in many industries. Including in jewelry, medical and chemical industries. Significantly improves the resistance of tungsten, chromium and titanium compounds to acidic environments.

Pure iridium is not a toxic material, but its individual compounds can be poisonous.

Despite the fact that many metals have decent characteristics, it is quite difficult to pinpoint exactly which is the strongest metal in the world. To do this, all their parameters are studied in accordance with various analytical systems. But at present, all scientists claim that iridium confidently occupies first place in terms of strength.

Source: https://vseonauke.com/1216373600258362306/kakoj-samyj-prochnyj-metall-v-mire---top-5-elementov/

The most expensive metals in the world: from rhodium to California-252 | SOKOLOV Magazine

Experts divide these metals into two groups: natural and artificially produced. The first group includes rhodium, platinum, gold, osmium and ruthenium. The second consists of two chemical elements - californium and osmium-187.

Californium

$6,500,000 per gram

There are several isotopes of californium, with californium-252 having the greatest practical application. Radioactive californium stands apart even among the most expensive metals. This is explained both by its huge price and special properties. The energy released by one gram of californium is comparable to the power of a conventional nuclear reactor.

Several milligrams of the metal are produced annually, and the total amount of Californian produced over all years does not exceed 5 grams. The main application is scientific research in the field of nuclear physics and medicine.

Osmium-187

$200,000 per gram

It takes 9 months to obtain this metal. The dark powder of osmium-187 has the highest density of any substance known. Practical use is being studied. Osmium-187 is of scientific research importance and is used to create individual high-precision devices.

Source: https://sokolov.ru/blog/about-jewelry/precious-metals/samye_dorogie_metally_v_mire/

Rare metals: why are they so important - and why do we know so little about them?

Thanks to these elements, our devices are becoming smaller and more powerful. What makes the glass surface of the phone “magical,” that is, responsive to touch, is a grain of the rare metal indium, which makes an invisible connection and serves as a transparent conductor between the phone and your finger.

Deposition of europium and terbium produces brilliant reds and greens on the screen, tantalum particles control the power in the phone, and lithium stores the energy that makes the phone mobile.

The production of iPhone components is also indispensable without rare metals: cerium is used to polish glass at the molecular level.

Steve Jobs' desire to make gadgets small and powerful led his company to collect more and more elements from the periodic table and deliver them to the masses. Moreover, the commercial success of the iPhone has changed our expectations from gadgets. It has spurred the development of new industries, including mobile apps and tablets, making rare metals an integral component not only of smartphones, but also of a variety of new technologies.

Not only did Jobs deliver on his promise to reinvent the telephone, he also helped reinvent the world's supply chain. And in the process, he helped usher in a new era - the age of rare metals.

Rare metals are found everywhere (really everywhere) - from floating bridges to headphones. They are in sofas, camera lenses, computers and cars. But they are rarely used on their own or as base materials. In essence, rare metals are like the yeast on a pizza. They are important in small quantities. Without yeast there will be no pizza, and without rare metals there will be no high-tech world.

Rare metals are the foundation of our modern high-tech, green and military industries. Rare metals have the same transformative effect as oil and coal. And they will attract as much attention as fossil fuels, meaning that those who control and manage their production and distribution will reap enormous economic and geopolitical benefits.

Yet, unlike oil or coal, their reserves are often much more limited, and their deposits are found in just a few places on Earth. Many of them have such unique properties and actions that they cannot be replaced by cheaper or more functional alternatives. Our dependence on rare metals is not just an abstract geopolitical issue or a topic exclusively related to materials science.

She is a potential source of conflict. But it was not always so.

***

Just 150 years ago, almost all the materials in every person's home came from a nearby forest or quarry. By the 1960s, with the development of supply chains and increased demand for consumer household products, the average American home used about 20 elements. Since then, materials scientists have led a silent revolution, transforming the manufactured products that serve us and the materials that enable them to work.

In the 1990s, Intel used just 15 elements to create computer chips; now it needs almost 60.

Our personal consumer decisions today, along with the technologies we use every day, have significant implications for rare metal reserves. Unfortunately, we don't think much about this connection between us and these resources.

Although rare metals have always existed, many of them were discovered in the last few hundred years, and some only in the last century. Companies now use elements that scientists considered mere impurities just a few decades ago.

Over the past 35 years, mining companies have produced 4 times more of many (if not all) rare metals than since the dawn of civilization until 1980.

Source: https://knife.media/rare-metals/