Raakametallit

Raakametallit, meaning "raw metals" in Finnish, refers to metallic materials that have undergone limited processing from their naturally occurring ore. These materials are typically not refined to a high degree of purity and may still contain significant amounts of impurities or alloying elements present in the original geological deposit. The term is often used in contrast to refined metals, which have been subjected to extensive purification processes to achieve a specific chemical composition and mechanical properties.

The characteristics of raakametallit are highly variable, depending on the specific metal and its ore source. They might be found in forms such as ingots, billets, or even as fragments that retain some of the visual and structural features of the mined ore. Their use is often limited to applications where high purity is not a critical requirement, or where the presence of impurities can be tolerated or even beneficial. Examples might include certain types of industrial manufacturing, or in historical contexts where refining techniques were less advanced. The economic viability of extracting and processing raakametallit is dependent on factors such as the concentration of the desired metal in the ore, the cost of extraction and minimal processing, and the demand for materials with their specific, less refined properties.