Category: Metals

Globally, millions of people suffer from zinc or copper deficiencies, highlighting their critical roles in biological systems. But why is copper and zinc important beyond human health? From the wiring in our homes to the health of our immune systems, these trace metals are fundamental to life and technology.

Approximately 80% of all metals are susceptible to corrosion, a costly and damaging process that requires specific protective measures in marine environments. While the question of whether a buoy contains magnesium seems simple, the answer depends entirely on the type of water the buoy is used in and the purpose of the magnesium, which is typically found in sacrificial anodes for corrosion protection.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, approximately 61% of the worldwide molybdenum supply was produced as a byproduct of copper mining in 2007. This statistic reveals the strong and economically significant relationship, confirming that is molybdenum a byproduct of copper in many cases.

Iron is the fourth most abundant element in the Earth's crust, constituting about 5% of its mass. When investigating where is iron most commonly found, the answer lies primarily within mineral deposits, which serve as the source for almost all industrial iron.

According to the Minerals Education Coalition, iron is the cheapest metal and fourth most abundant element in Earth's crust. But for industrial and dietary use, where does most of our iron come from? This guide explores the diverse origins of this essential element, covering the dominant industrial sources and vital dietary forms.

Iron, represented by the chemical symbol Fe, is the most common element on Earth by mass and the fourth most abundant in the Earth's crust. But what's so special about iron that makes it so fundamental to our world, from geology to biology and industry? Its story is a deep dive into magnetism, chemistry, and life itself.

According to the World Steel Association, annual Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) production reached 136.4 million tonnes in 2023, representing a 65.3% increase compared to 2014 levels. The amount of iron DRI used in steelmaking is increasing due to its high purity and consistent quality, particularly in Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) operations focused on sustainable production.

As the fourth most widely produced metal globally, after iron, aluminum, and copper, zinc is a profoundly versatile element. The answer to what type of product is zinc is complex, as it serves as both a fundamental metal in its pure form and an essential mineral in countless compounds.

According to the National Institutes of Health, beef liver and oysters are among the foods richest in copper. This article explores a variety of sources, detailing exactly what has the most copper in it, from dietary options to industrial minerals and even geological formations.