Types of metals
Countless everyday objects are made of metals. Metals have different characteristics and values – from quite expensive silver decorative plates to cheap cast iron fireplace grilles. It is relatively easy to recognize a given metal by its color and weight. However, some alloys may be difficult to identify.
Brass
Brass is a common alloy of copper and zinc. It is easy to recognize, unless it is heavily tarnished and has a brown or greenish-black color.
It is used for the production of both utility and utility items, and decorative.
Brown
Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, which becomes dark brown with age. Ideally suited for making castings, most often it is used for the production of fittings and decorations for doors and furniture.
chrome
Chromium is used almost exclusively to coat other metals. He is extremely tough. Many everyday items are coated with a protective layer of chrome – from kettles to metal table parts, chairs and lamps.
Copper
Polished copper is reddish brown in color, oxidizes to a dark brown color. It is often used in the production of teapots, jugs and pots, which is then coated inside with a different metal, against poisoning. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, so it is often coated on the bottoms of steel pots.
Gold and platinum
Gold is almost exclusively used to make jewelry. Pure gold is very soft, they are then mixed with other metals to make an alloy. The amount of gold in the alloy is expressed in carats, wherein 24 carats mean 100% gold content. Platinum - it is much harder and more resistant to high temperatures and chemicals. The jewelry industry uses them more and more often.
Iron and cast iron
Two-dimensional patterns are forged from iron – often they are circles and gaps, which are welded together to form a pattern. Cast iron items are cast in molds, most often whole (less often in bolted components). They are fully three-dimensional.
Cast iron is a brittle material, when broken, it shows gray, rough texture. Both of iron, as well as cast iron decorative items are made of high durability, such as fireplaces and garden furniture.
Lead
The oxidized surface of the lead is dark gray in color, after cutting, a silver color appears. Currently, lead products are rare. The most recent commercial use of lead is in cast soldier figures, popular several dozen years ago.
Tin
Tin is commonly defined as an alloy of tin with an admixture of other metals, such as lead, copper, antimony or bismuth. The tin has a slight sheen and is usually covered with a grayish patina. It has been used for centuries to make tableware, especially mugs and mugs.
Silver
Homemade "silver" are most often plated products, less common items made of full silver. Just like gold, silver is most often in the form of an alloy with other metals that enhance its strength.
We are informed about the percentage of silver by the so-called. attempt. Cutlery is made of silver, plates, is silent, candlesticks and jewelry.
Stood
Steel is an extremely strong alloy of iron and carbon. Blades made of it do not dull, therefore, it was formerly used primarily for the production of knives and weapons. Contemporary steel products are knives, pots and cutlery.
