- William Rowland

What is the most abundant metal in the world? Aluminium is the most common metal found in the Earth's crust, and the third most abundant element.

Iron is the fourth most abundant element in the crust, but makes up 34% of the Earth's mass. Although there is more aluminium in the crust, it is much lighter than iron and therefore less abundant by mass. However, in terms of surface availability or number of atoms it is considered more abundant.

What Is Metal Made Of?

Some metals, such as platinum, copper, gold and silver, are found in their pure elemental form. Other metals, such as bronze and brass, are made by combining two different metals. Copper and tin, for example, are smelted together to make bronze, which is an alloy of the two.

What Is The Most Commonly Used Metal In The World?

Steel is the most commonly used metal in the world today, widely used by the building industry. An alloy of iron and other elements, steel has the benefits of high tensile strength combined with low cost which make it perfect for use in construction. It is used in the construction of roads, railways, infrastructure, appliances and buildings and most large, modern structures are supported by a steel skeleton.

What are the Most Common Metals?

The Earth’s crust is made up of a number of common elements found in the universe, with metallic elements making up over 25.4% of the Earth’s crust. Each of these elements has a different application within the world of metals, with some commonly being used to create structural metals, and others being used for chemical reactions. 

1. Aluminium

Aluminium has the highest concentration of any metallic element in the Earth’s crust, accounting for 8.23% of all elements in the crust.

Aluminium has a very low density, meaning it is an extremely light metal, and is also non-toxic, has high thermal conductivity, high corrosion resistance, and is easily reshaped and formed. It is approximately three times lighter than steel, but features a higher strength-to-weight ratio. For this reason it is an important material for making transport vehicles, particularly aerospace vehicles, cars and trains, as well as window frames, beer kegs, and kitchen utensils. 

2. Iron

Iron is one of the most abundant metals on Earth, constituting about 5.6% of the Earth's crust, and is primarily found in various minerals, with the most common being hematite and magnetite.

Humans have been using iron for centuries, and it remains a crucial metal in various industries such as aerospace, defence, and motor vehicles. The annual global iron production is staggering, reaching hundreds of millions of metric tons. This metal is indispensable in the production of steel, which is used in construction, transportation, and countless other applications.

It has a relatively high melting point and is malleable, allowing it to be shaped into various forms. However, iron is prone to corrosion, leading to the development of stainless steel, which incorporates chromium to resist rust and corrosion.

3. Calcium

An abundant element in the Earth's crust, constituting approximately 3-4.2% of crust materials, calcium is commonly found in minerals like limestone, gypsum, and fluorite.

Calcium is vital for living organisms, particularly for the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth. While the annual usage of pure calcium metal is relatively low, calcium compounds are extensively used in industries such as construction, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.

Calcium is a reactive metal that easily forms compounds. It is an essential element for life, playing a crucial role in various biological processes. Calcium carbonate, derived from limestone, is widely used as a building material and in industries such as paper production.

4. Sodium

Sodium is a fundamental element for life, playing a vital role in nerve function and fluid balance. While the annual usage of metallic sodium is limited, sodium compounds are extensively used in the chemical industry, particularly in the production of sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate.

5. Magnesium

Magnesium is used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. The annual usage of magnesium is substantial, as it is employed in the production of lightweight alloys, pyrotechnics, and as a supplement for human health. It makes up around 2.3% of the Earth’s crust, and is a light and strong metal with excellent corrosion resistance. It is commonly alloyed with other metals to enhance their mechanical properties. Magnesium compounds are also used in various applications, such as in the production of refractory materials.

6. Potassium

Potassium is a relatively abundant element in the Earth's crust, constituting about 2.1% of it. It is commonly found in minerals like sylvite and carnallite.

Potassium is crucial for the proper functioning of living cells and is an essential nutrient for plants and animals. While the metallic form of potassium has limited industrial applications, potassium compounds are used in fertilisers, detergents, and the production of glass.

7. Titanium

Titanium is rare compared to other materials in the crust, making up only around 0.6% of all materials.

Titanium is highly valued for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. The annual usage of titanium is significant in industries such as aerospace, medical implants, and the production of pigment for paints.

What Is The Most Expensive Metal In The World?

Contrary to popular belief, the most expensive metal in the world is not platinum or gold. It is Californium 252, which weighs in at US$27 million per gram. Compare this to the price of platinum at US$60 per gram and gold at US$56 per gram and you can see the difference.

What Is The Strongest Metal In The World?

In terms of tensile strength, the strongest natural metal in the world is tungsten. With an ultimate strength of 1510 megapascals it possesses the highest strength of any natural metal and also has the highest melting point of any metal (that is unalloyed). If we widen the field to include alloys, then steel would be considered the strongest, although this is a field that is constantly evolving and changing. The hardest metal, using the Moh scale as the deciding factor, is chromium a key ingredient in stainless steel. Chromium is often used in chrome plating, which protects against corrosion and physical damage.

Discover more about the strongest metals in the world in our new blog post.

Ever since the Bronze age, people have been seeking novel ways to develop, refine, and utilize metal. Thousands of types of metal and just as many grades allow for applications and uses that are bound only by the limits of our creativity. As a foundation of many industries and at the very root of the Industrial Revolution itself, metals have supported the development and growth of not just our society but civilization as a whole. From buildings and infrastructure to household appliances, each day we're surrounded by at least eighty different types of metal. The following five types of metal are some of the most popularly used worldwide. We have explored some of their infinite uses and provided a few insights about each specific metal type.

1. Steel

Steel is an iron alloy enriched with around 1% carbon and it is generally free of the impurities and residues that can otherwise be found in iron. While iron itself is stronger than other metals, it is remarkably heavy, dense, and prone to corrosion. For these reasons, purely iron structures can be difficult to build and maintain. Not only does adding carbon to iron mitigate these vulnerabilities, but it also makes the material stronger. Additionally, steel has a rather high strength to weight ratio compared to other types of metals, which enables the manufacturing of small yet strong steel parts. With over 3500 different grades and almost 2 billion tons of steel manufactured globally each year, steel is the most commonly used metal in the world. With the number of different elements and varying qualities of those elements being added to create steel alloys there are a multitude of different types of steel. Without further ado, let's dig deeper into the world of steel!

Alloy Steel

Alloy steel is made by combining elements such as chromium, manganese, nickel, tungsten, or vanadium with iron. Each of the alloying elements brings different properties to the mix, thus making the alloy steel highly customizable. Depending on the needs of the project, the specific alloy can be modified to produce many desired qualities, a couple of which might be a higher material strength or a product that is more resistant to wear and corrosion. Alloy steel can be relatively inexpensive to produce, making it very widely used.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a highly corrosion-resistant alloy steel that consists of iron, carbon, significant amounts of chromium and residues of other metals. It is a versatile material widely applied in many households. From kitchen utensils to tables, sinks, and other furniture, stainless steel is perfect for the manufacturing of anything that comes into contact with food because it doesn't rust easily.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is an alloy made of iron and carbon, sometimes with residues of other elements. It is commonly categorized into three groups (low, medium, and high carbon steel) based on the amount of carbon the alloy contains. The more carbon is used to manufacture steel, the harder the alloy will be. On the other hand, small amounts of carbon make for an alloy that is easier and cheaper to manufacture. Carbon steel is often used to produce tools and mechanical elements but is best known as a structural building material.

Tool Steel

Due to its hardness, tool steel is used for the manufacturing of cutting, drilling, and other shock-resistant tools. The hardness comes from alloying iron with elements such as cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, or vanadium. Tool steel has a wide variety of applications, including construction, shipbuilding and automotive industries. It is primarily used to machine and make changes to different kinds of steel.

2. Iron

With around 5% of the Earth's crust and as the 6th most common element in the universe, iron is a highly abundant and immensely popular metal. Unalloyed iron is an unstable element that easily reacts with the oxygen from the air and forms iron oxide. In order to make it more stable, it is commonly alloyed with other elements to create steel. Iron finds its application in cookware because its porous surface combined with hot oil prevents sticking. Due to its remarkably high melting point, cast iron is used for the production of wood stoves. Being a heavy metal, iron provides rigidity and reduces vibrations, which is why it is often used for the manufacturing of heavy machinery frames and bases.

3. Aluminum

Aluminum is a highly durable, light-weight and corrosion-resistant metal derived from its ore bauxite. First made in the 19th century, aluminum found wide-spread use due to its machinability, electrical conductivity, and inability to magnetize. It is the most common non-ferrous metal on Earth, known for its malleability and ability to form alloys with almost all other metals. Aluminum has an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, and even though it doesn't rust, it oxidizes and corrodes when it is exposed to salt. Its applications are wide: from cans and household appliances to airplanes.

4. Zinc

Zinc is a common metal with a low melting point. Because it flows smoothly in its melted form, it is easy to cast and recycle. The end product is quite strong and has low electrochemical potential. Zinc is used to coat and protect other metals, as well as to prevent rusting in galvanized steel. Its applications include the industrial, marine, and medical sectors, as well as hardware, electrical and automotive industries.

5. Bronze

Bronze is made by alloying copper and tin, and often small amounts of elements such as aluminum, manganese, silicon or phosphorus. As the first human-made alloy, bronze is incredibly historically significant - thus the “Bronze Age.” Even though it is brittle, bronze is a hard element known to resist fatigue that doesn't bend or crack. Due to its high corrosion resistance and solid thermal and electrical conductivity, it is used for the manufacturing of electrical connectors, church bells, ship parts and reflectors. In addition to the five most popular metals outlined above, Texas Iron & Metal offers a large inventory of materials that may be suitable for your next project. Call us at 800.839.4766 or request a quote here and one of our knowledgeable representatives will gladly help you find the perfect type of metal.