Native metals Native metal is a term used to describe metals discovered in their natural, elemental form – either as an alloy, or in pure form. The list of metals which can occur in native deposits is long, though very few can ...Read more
Native metals
Native metal is a term used to describe metals discovered in their natural, elemental form – either as an alloy, or in pure form.
The list of metals which can occur in native deposits is long, though very few can withstand the natural processes of weathering and oxidization.
Most native metals (including aluminum, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, iron, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, tin, titanium, tungsten, and zinc) are highly reactive when exposed to water, light, and other elements of nature – which means they are more likely to occur as small, isolated pockets of reduced ore, or as small flakes or inclusions.
Gold, silver, copper, and platinum are the least reactive of native metals.
This greater capacity for endurance means they are the most likely native metals to be discovered in larger deposits – and their wider availability and occurrence offers a variety of interest to collectors.
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