What is a Pure Metal?
What is a pure metal in comparison to an alloy metal? Also, ever wondered what the full list of pure metals actually is? You’ve come to the right place for the answer! We like to think of ourselves as more than just a sheet metal company, with over 50 years of industry experience, we believe we know everything there is to know about metal!
So we’ve brought you this handy guide to discuss what a pure metal is, the difference between pure and alloy metals, and a table of pure metals with their associated features and properties. Keep reading for more information.
What is a pure metal and where does it come from?
So, what is a pure metal in everyday terms? In short, a pure metal is an element that can’t be broken down into anything simpler by chemical means. It consists of only one type of atom. They are also known as single-phase metals. Gold, silver, copper, and iron are all examples of pure metals in their natural, unalloyed state. These metals form the backbone of modern civilisation and are found in almost everything, from electronics to cutlery, cars, and coins.
In contrast, alloys like steel, brass, and bronze are born from mixing pure metals together. A dash of non-metallic elements, like carbon, is also often introduced to boost performance in specific applications. But it’s the pure metals themselves that offer the original, distinctive set of characteristics. This includes electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ductility.
The origins of pure metals
Most pure metals aren’t just lying around waiting to be picked up. They are typically locked away inside rocks as ores. Through mining, crushing, and various extraction processes (like smelting or electrolysis), these ores are transformed into the metallic materials we use today.
Major mining operations around the globe dig for metals like iron, copper, aluminium, and nickel to supply the raw materials that keep the modern world turning. Some, like gold and platinum, are far rarer, which makes them precious and often pricey. Estimations of the gold content of the Earth’s crust are in the range of 0.001 to 0.006 parts per million.
What is a pure metal vs an alloy metal?
While pure metals are made up of one element, alloys are blends of two or more elements. These are often designed to make the metal harder, stronger, or more resistant to corrosion and wear. For example, copper and tin create bronze; iron and carbon make steel; and gold and silver produce the luxurious white gold.
Most metal items around us these days are actually alloys. Yet, the unique qualities of pure metals remain in high demand for critical applications.
If you have liked reading this blog so far you should take a look at this one next – What is the Strongest Metal?
Full list of pure metals
To answer the question, what is the full list of pure metals? – Here’s a comprehensive table featuring the most significant pure metals, their properties, real world uses, and where they are primarily found around the world.
| Metal | Properties | Benefits | Applications | Mining Locations |
| Iron (Fe) | Magnetic, strong, ductile, reactive, rusts easily | Cheap, abundant, vital for construction | Construction, machinery, automotive | China, Australia, Brazil, Russia |
| Copper (Cu) | Excellent conductor, malleable, corrosion resistant | High conductivity, easy to shape | Electrical wiring, plumbing, coins | Chile, Peru, China, USA |
| Aluminium (Al) | Lightweight, non-magnetic, corrosion resistant, good conductor | Low weight, doesn’t rust easily | Aerospace, packaging, transport | China, Australia, Russia, Canada |
| Gold (Au) | Soft, highly malleable, doesn’t tarnish, excellent conductor | Corrosion proof, valuable, conducts electricity | Jewellery, electronics, finance | China, Australia, Russia, South Africa |
| Silver (Ag) | Soft, great electrical conductor, antibacterial | High conductivity, antimicrobial | Jewellery, coins, electronics, medicine | Mexico, Peru, China, Russia |
| Platinum (Pt) | Dense, highly corrosion resistant, malleable, catalytic | Rare, doesn’t tarnish, high melting point | Catalytic converters, jewellery, medical devices | South Africa, Russia, Zimbabwe |
| Nickel (Ni) | Hard, ductile, magnetic, corrosion resistant | Alloying, resists oxidation | Stainless steel, batteries, coins | Indonesia, Philippines, Russia |
| Zinc (Zn) | Brittle, anti-corrosive | Protective coatings, easy alloying | Galvanisation, batteries, die casting | China, Peru, Australia, USA |
| Tin (Sn) | Soft, malleable, low melting point, silvery | Easy to melt, corrosion resistant | Solder, coatings, food packaging | China, Indonesia, Peru, Bolivia |
| Lead (Pb) | Very soft, heavy, malleable, | Radiation shielding, dense | Batteries, cables, weights | China, Australia, Russia, USA |
| Chromium (Cr) | Hard, shiny, corrosion resistant | Adds durability to alloys | Stainless steel, plating | South Africa, Kazakhstan, India |
| Titanium (Ti) | Very strong, low density, corrosion resistant | Strong, lightweight | Aerospace, medical implants, bikes | China, Japan, Russia, Kazakhstan |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Lightweight, flammable | Lightest structural metal | Alloys, fireworks, electronics | China, Russia, Israel, USA |
| Cobalt (Co) | Hard, magnetic, corrosion-resistant | High temperature stability | Batteries, alloys, magnets | Congo, Russia, Australia, Canada |
| Manganese (Mn) | Hard, brittle, improves hardness in steel | Key alloying element, increases strength | Steelmaking, batteries | South Africa, Australia, China |
| Lithium (Li) | Soft, lightest metal, reactive | Essential for batteries, light | Rechargeable batteries, medicines | Australia, Chile, China, Argentina |
| Tungsten (W) | Very hard, highest melting point of all metals | Heat resistant, dense | Light bulbs, cutting tools, weights | China, Russia, Bolivia, Austria |
| Mercury (Hg) | Only liquid metal at room temperature, dense | Useful in instruments | Thermometers, switches, lamps | China, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Spain |
| Palladium (Pd) | Rare, soft, corrosion resistant | Catalytic, valuable | Catalytic converters, jewellery | Russia, South Africa, Canada |
| Ruthenium (Ru) | Rare, hard, corrosion resistant | Enhances alloys, electronics | Electronics, chemical industry | Russia, South Africa, Canada |
| Rhodium (Rh) | Rare, reflective, corrosion resistant | Catalytic, highly reflective | Catalytic converters, jewellery | South Africa, Russia, Zimbabwe |
| Osmium (Os) | Very dense, hard, brittle | Durable, dense | Alloys for fountain pens, electronics | Russia, Canada, South Africa |
| Iridium (Ir) | Very hard, brittle, corrosion resistant | Durable, rare, high melting point | Spark plugs, crucibles, electronics | South Africa, Russia, Canada |
For more information like this you can check out our other blog – The Different Types of Metals; Their Properties, And Their Applications.
Unique features and properties of pure metals
So now we’ve discussed what is a pure metal and highlighted the full list of pure metals, let’s take a look at some of their collective unique qualities. Pure metals display a fascinating array of properties that set them apart from their alloyed counterparts.
Here are a few highlights:
- Conductivity: Silver and copper are world beating conductors, making them essential for most electrical applications.
- Corrosion resistance: Gold, platinum, and titanium hardly ever tarnish or rust. This makes them ideal for jewellery, dentistry, and chemical equipment.
- Strength to weight ratio: Aluminium and titanium are both very strong and incredibly light, revolutionising both the transport and aerospace industries.
- Rarity and value: Gold, platinum and their associated group of metals are highly prized, not just for beauty and rarity, but their use in cutting edge technology.
Key Applications
- Electronics: Copper, silver, and gold wires power circuits and connections.
- Transport: Aluminium and titanium make trains, planes, and cars lighter and stronger.
- Construction: Iron and steel (mainly alloyed, but pure iron is the starting point) are used for beams and girders.
- Jewellery: Gold, platinum, silver, and palladium create stunning keepsakes.
- Healthcare: Titanium, platinum, and silver are used in implants, medical instruments, and antimicrobial coatings.
- Batteries: Lithium, cobalt, and nickel power everything from electric vehicles to mobile phones.
Contact Salamander Fabrications today for your sheet metal fabrication needs!
What is a pure metal without metal fabrication services? A blank canvas for the team here at Salamander Fabrications to work their magic on! In truth and despite their unique qualities, pure metals are rarely used alone for most practical purposes these days. They are either too soft or brittle, too expensive, or outperformed by alloyed alternatives. Most of the metals we work on are from the alloy family of metals.
Whether you’re searching for more info on what is a pure metal, exploring the full list of pure metals, or considering a custom fabrication project, Salamander Fabrications can help. With over 50 years’ experience in the industry, we offer a full suite of services, including:
- Laser cutting services
- Welding services
- Metal folding services
- Sheet metal fabrication services
- Powder coating services
For any queries or bespoke requirements, get in touch via our contact page, call us on 01484 843599, or email sales@salamanderfabs.com. Our expert team are always happy to share their knowledge and help you select the right metal for your project.
