Metallilaji

Metallilaji is a Finnish term used in materials science to classify metals and metal-containing materials. It denotes a category or type of metal, including native metals, alloys, and metal compounds, defined by origin, composition, structure, and properties.

Native metals occur in metallic form in nature, such as gold, silver, copper, and platinum. They can be mined and refined with relatively simple processes, and they typically exhibit high purity and good electrical and thermal conductivity.

Alloys are substances composed of two or more elements, with at least one metal. Common metal alloys include steel (iron and carbon), bronze (copper and tin), and brass (copper and zinc). Alloys are engineered to improve strength, hardness, or corrosion resistance.

Metal compounds and minerals include oxides, sulfides, halides, and carbonates. Ore minerals such as hematite (Fe2O3), chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), and galena (PbS) supply metals, which are extracted by smelting, electrolysis, or chemical processing.

In practice, metallilaji guides material selection and metallurgical processing, reflecting how composition, structure, and properties influence applications in construction, electronics, and manufacturing.