Tag: metals

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The Origin of Metals

The origin of metals can be traced back to various processes that occur in the universe.

A metal (from Ancient Greek μέταλλον métallon ‘mine, quarry, metal’) is a material that, when freshly prepared, polished, or fractured, shows a lustrous appearance, and conducts electricity and heat relatively well. Metals are typically ductile (can be drawn into wires) and malleable (they can be hammered into thin sheets). These properties are the result of the metallic bond between the atoms or molecules of the metal.

These processes collectively contribute to the formation and distribution of metals throughout the universe, including our own planet Earth. Over billions of years, Earth’s metal content has been shaped by the accumulation of materials from various sources, such as meteorite impacts, volcanic activity, and geological processes.

Metals are a category of chemical elements characterized by their luster, conductivity, malleability, and ductility. They are typically solid at room temperature (except for mercury, which is a liquid) and have high melting and boiling points. Here are some common types of metals:

  1. Aluminum (Al): Lightweight and highly abundant metal used in various applications, including construction, transportation, and packaging.
  2. Iron (Fe): Widely used metal known for its strength and durability. It is a key component in the production of steel and is used in construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries.
  3. Copper (Cu): Excellent conductor of electricity and heat. Copper is used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and various electronic devices.
  4. Silver (Ag): Valuable and highly conductive metal used in jewelry, currency, and electronic components. It is also known for its antimicrobial properties.
  5. Gold (Au): Highly valued metal prized for its rarity, beauty, and corrosion resistance. Gold is commonly used in jewelry, investment, and electronics.
  6. Titanium (Ti): Lightweight and strong metal with excellent corrosion resistance. It is used in aerospace applications, medical implants, and sporting goods.
  7. Zinc (Zn): Essential element used primarily as a protective coating for steel (galvanization). It is also present in batteries, alloys, and various industrial applications.
  8. Nickel (Ni): Versatile metal used in the production of stainless steel, batteries, magnets, and various alloys. It is also used in the plating of other metals.
  9. Lead (Pb): Dense and malleable metal used in construction, batteries, and radiation shielding. However, due to its toxicity, its use has been significantly reduced in many applications.
  10. Tin (Sn): Malleable metal often used as a protective coating for other metals (tin-plating). It is also used in soldering, packaging, and the production of alloys.
Hammered Cuff made of Brass by Ayleen López.

Hammered Cuff made of Brass by Ayleen López.

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Difference Between Bronze and Copper

March 1, 2019

The critical difference between copper and bronze is, Copper is a pure chemical element as well as a natural mineral whereas bronze is a metal alloy. Bronze and copper colors have definite yellow, orange, and red tones; this can make them hard to distinguish. I love both colors, and the mix with silver or yellow make an extraordinary combination.

Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper, commonly with about 12–12.5% tin and often with the addition of other metals (such as aluminum, manganese, nickel or zinc) and sometimes non-metals or metalloids such as arsenic, phosphorus or silicon. These additions produce a range of alloys that may be harder than copper alone or have other useful properties, such as stiffness, ductility, or machinability.

Bronze vs. Copper

According to Wikipedia Copper is a chemical element. It is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. A freshly exposed surface of pure copper has a pinkish-orange color. Copper use as a conductor of heat and electricity, as a building material, and as a constituent of various metal alloys, such as sterling silver used in jewelry, cupronickel used to make marine hardware and coins, and constantan used in strain gauges and thermocouples for temperature measurement.

Copper is its element, while bronze is composed of copper alloyed with tin. Because of this, the colors of the two metals differ slightly when “raw.” Bronze may have a deeper, yellow-brown tone than copper, which may appear more red-pink overall. The difference in their chemical composition directly affects the difference in their visual appearance. I hope you enjoy both colors in Ayleen López Jewelry collection!