Learn about Metals: Properties, Corrosion, Alloys, Ores. Properties of Metals An element is a substance made up of all one kind of atom: for example, the element helium (the same stuff that fills balloons) is made up exclusively of helium atoms.
Elements are generally classified as metals or nonmetals(although some elements have characteristics of both; these are called metalloids). The majority of elements listed in the periodic table are metals. These elements usually share three main properties: Luster: Metals are shiny when cut, scratched, or polished. These are some of the most important characteristics of metals, but there are other ones as well. Metals share many characteristics, but they don't all have the same reactivity. Metals are categorized in five different groups: Noble Metals are found as pure metals because they are unreactive and don't combine with other elements to form compounds.
Alloys: Strong Combinations The properties of these different metals can be combined by mixing two or more of them together. Metal from Ore. The Ultimate Guide to Precious Metal Jewelry. Buying jewelry could probably top the list of “Most Fun Activities Ever,” especially if you’re shopping for yourself.
But it can also be downright confusing if you don’t know a few basics about jewelry materials — particularly about precious metals, which are hard to ignore if you’re looking for the perfect bracelet, necklace, earrings, or ring. Since precious metals in contemporary jewelry play such an important role in the appearance, durability, and cost of any piece, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with a few basic metallurgy terms. With this foundation in the materials of jewelry, you’ll leave ready to make informed decisions when buying precious metal jewelry and choose a piece that’s just right for you. What makes precious metals “precious”? Precious metals are simply very rare metals that also have desirable characteristics — like their ability to make beautiful jewelry. Precious metals used to make jewelry are also “noble” metals. Gold Purities of gold Silver Platinum. Jewellery. Diamond temptation design The word jewellery itself is derived from the word jewel, which was anglicized from the Old French "jouel",[3] and beyond that, to the Latin word "jocale", meaning plaything.
In British English, New Zealand English, Hiberno-English, Australian English, and South African English it is spelled jewellery, while the spelling is jewelry in American English.[1] Both are used in Canadian English, though jewelry prevails by a two to one margin. In French and a few other European languages the equivalent term, joaillerie there, may also cover decorated metalwork in precious metal such as objets d'art and church items, not just objects worn on the person. Form and function[edit] Kenyan man wearing tribal beads Humans have used jewellery for a number of different reasons: Most cultures at some point have had a practice of keeping large amounts of wealth stored in the form of jewellery. Materials and methods[edit] Diamonds[edit] Other gemstones[edit] Amber Amethyst Emerald Jade Ruby. What Types of Alloys Are Used in Jewelry? A silver alloy is a metal that contains silver and one or more additional metals.
Since silver is a very soft metal... Common Uses for Alloy Steel. Steel alloys, like stainless steel, have become ubiquitous materials for constructing everything from household cookware to buildings... Learn how to work with molten gold and make your own gold jewelry. Different Types of Alloys & Use. The Type of Metal to Use in Costume Jewelry.