Metallen

Metallen, or metals, are a broad class of elements characterized by metallic bonding and commonly observed properties such as luster, malleability, ductility, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and the ability to form alloys. Most metals occur in the periodic table from left to center, including alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, post-transition metals, and the lanthanides and actinides. They are typically extracted from mineral ores by mining and refined through smelting, electrolysis, or other processes. Metals are widely distributed in the Earth's crust and are often recycled.

Ferrous metals contain iron and are known for strength and magnetic properties; steel is the most important ferrous alloy. Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and include copper, aluminum, zinc, tin, nickel, and precious metals. Alloys — mixtures such as steel, bronze, brass, and aluminum alloys — are engineered to achieve specific properties like strength, hardness, or corrosion resistance.

Applications span construction, transportation, electronics, energy, and manufacturing. Metals serve as structural materials, electrical conductors, catalysts, and in energy storage and transmission. The performance of metals depends on composition, microstructure, processing history, and environment.

Environmental and health aspects include mining impacts, energy use, alloy production, and toxicity concerns for certain metals. Recycling is important for resource conservation and waste reduction.

Historically, metals enabled major technological leaps, from the Bronze and Iron Ages to modern metallurgy, and continued development in processing, alloy design, and nanostructured materials.