Aluminum is the most common metal in the earth's crust. What metal is most abundant in the earth's crust? The most common metal in the earth's crust is

Despite the fact that metals predominate among chemical elements, their content in nature is inferior to non-metals. The content of all metals in the earth's crust is about 25 wt. %, while the share of non-metals, constituting only 1/4 of all elements, reaches 75%. However, it should be noted that such a large share is provided by almost only two non-metals: O (47.2%) and Si (27.6%).

The most common metals in nature areAl (8,1%), Fe (5,1 %),andCa, Mg, Na, K. (total % of s-block metals is 11).

Of the 86 metals, only six have contents in the earth's crust that exceed 1%.

In the earth's crust, the vast majority of metals are in oxidized form.

Metals are found in nature in the form of compounds with more electronegative elements: oxygen, sulfur, halogens, as well as in the form of carbonates, phosphates, sulfates, etc. Many metals are found in the earth's crust in the form of various silicates and aluminosilicates, complex in composition and structure. The most common minerals are aluminosilicates and silicates of the most diverse composition and structure. These minerals are always present in any metal ores. In addition to aluminosilicates, oxides and carbonates are quite common in nature.
Natural sulfides are used to produce many important heavy non-ferrous metals: Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Co, Cd, Mo.

Natural halides are used to obtain Na, K, Mg.

In addition, there are other types of minerals in nature: sulfates, phosphates; tungstates: wolframite - (Fe,Mn)WO 4, scheelite -CaWO 4; chromates - crocoite - PbCrO 4, vanadinite - Pb 3 (VO 4)Cl 3, etc.

Metals of low chemical activity (Cu, Ag, Au, Pt, Hg) are found in free form or as inclusions in rocks. Most metals are present in nature in the form of ores and compounds. They form oxides, sulfides, carbonates and other chemicals. To obtain pure metals and their further use, it is necessary to isolate them from ores and carry out purification. If necessary, alloying and other processing of metals is carried out. This is studied by the science of metallurgy, which distinguishes between ferrous ores (based on iron) and non-ferrous ones (they do not contain iron, there are about 70 elements in total). An exception can be called about 16 elements: the so-called. noble metals (gold, silver, etc.), and some others (for example, mercury, copper), which are present without impurities.

In addition, they are present in small quantities in sea water (1.05%, -- 0.12%), plants, and living organisms (playing an important role).

Metals found in nature are:

• - in the native state: silver, gold, platinum, copper, sometimes mercury;
• - in the form of oxides: magnetite Fe 3 O 4, hematite Fe 2 O 3, etc.
• - in the form of mixed oxides: kaolin Al 2 O 3 * 2SiO 2 * 2H 2 O, alunite (Na,K) 2 O * AlO 3 * 2SiO 2, etc.
• -- various salts:

sulfides: galena PbS, cinnabar HgS,

chlorides: sylvite KS1, halite NaCl, sylvinite KSl* NaCl, carnallite KSl * MgCl 2 * 6H 2 O,

sulfates: barite BaSO 4, anhydride Ca 8 O 4

phosphates: apatite Ca 3 (PO 4) 2,

carbonates: chalk, marble CaCO 3, magnesite MgCO 3.

Thus, the bulk of aluminum is concentrated in aluminosilicates, of which feldspars are the most common. Their main representatives are the minerals orthoclase K, albite Na and anorite Ca. Minerals of the mica group are very common, for example, muscovite Kal 2 2, the mineral nepheline (Na, K) 2 is of great practical use (used to produce alumina, soda products and cement). Of the other minerals, bauxite Al 2 O 3 *nH 2 O and cryolite Na 3 AlF 6 are most widely used in practice. A common product of rock destruction is kaolin, which consists mainly of the clay mineral kaolinite Al 2 O 3 *2SiO 2 *2H 2 O.

Most calcium occurs naturally in the form of limestone and chalk deposits, consisting primarily of the mineral calcite CaCO 3 , as well as marble. Of other rocks, the most common are dolomite CaCO 3 *MgCO 3 , anhydrite CaSO 4 and gypsum CaSO 4 *2H 2 O, fluorite CaF 2 and apatite 3Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 *Ca(F, Cl) 2. Calcium is found in considerable quantities in various silicates, for example CfO*3MgO*4SiO 2 (asbestos), and aluminosilicates.

Magnesium is common in nature in the form of magnesite MgCO 3 and dolomite, silicate Mg 2 SiO 4 (olivine), kainite KCl * MgSO 4 * 3H 2 O and carnallite KCl * MgCl 2 * 6H 2 O. Natural compounds of alkali metals are sylvinite NaCl * KCl , halite NaCl, mirabilite Na 2 SO 4 *10H 2 O.

Iron is the most common metal on the globe after aluminum. It is part of numerous minerals that form accumulations of iron ores: hematite Fe 2 O 3, magnetite Fe 3 O 4, hydrogoethite HFeO 2 *nH 2 O, siderite FeCO 3, etc.

Occasionally, native iron of meteoric or terrestrial origin is also found.

Many metals often accompany the main natural minerals: scandium is included in tin and tungsten ores, cadmium as an impurity in zinc ores, niobium and tantalum in tin ores. Iron ores are always accompanied by manganese, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, titanium, germanium, and vanadium.

The vast majority (93 out of 117) of the currently known chemical elements are metals.
The atoms of various metals have much in common in structure, and the simple and complex substances they form have similar properties (physical and chemical).

Position in the periodic table and structure of metal atoms.

In the periodic table, metals are located to the left and below the conventional broken line running from boron to astatine (see table below). Almost all s-elements (with the exception of H, He) are metals, approximately half R-elements, all d- And f-elements ( lanthanides And actinides).

Most metal atoms have a small number (up to 3) electrons in their outer energy level; only some atoms of p-elements (Sn, Pb, Bi, Po) have more (from four to six). The valence electrons of metal atoms are weakly (compared to non-metal atoms) bound to the nucleus. Therefore, metal atoms relatively easily give up these electrons to other atoms, acting in chemical reactions only as reducing agents and thus turning into positively charged cations:

Me - ne – = Me n+.

Unlike non-metals, metal atoms are characterized by only positive oxidation states from +1 to +8.

The ease with which metal atoms give up their valence electrons to other atoms characterizes the reducing activity of that metal. The more easily a metal atom gives up its electrons, the stronger the reducing agent it is. If we arrange the metals in a row in order of decreasing their reducing power in aqueous solutions, we get the known to us displacement series of metals, which is also called the electrochemical voltage series (or nearby activity) metals (see table below).

Prevalence mmetals in nature.

The top three most common metals in the earth's crust (this is the surface layer of our planet, approximately 16 km thick) are aluminum, iron and calcium. Less common are sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The table below shows the mass fractions of some metals in the earth's crust.

iron and calcium. Less common are sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The table below shows the mass fractions of some metals in the earth's crust.

Occurrence of metals in the earth's crust

Elements whose mass fraction in the earth's crust is less than 0.01% are called rare. Rare metals include, for example, all lanthanides. If an element is not able to concentrate in the earth’s crust, that is, it does not form its own ores, but is found as an impurity with other elements, then it is classified as absent-minded elements. For example, the following metals are dispersed: Sc, Ga, In, Tl, Hf.

In the 40s of the XX century. German scientists Walter and Ida Nolla expressed the idea. that every cobblestone on the pavement contains all the chemical elements of the periodic table. At first, these words were not met with unanimous approval by their colleagues. However, as more and more accurate methods of analysis appear, scientists are increasingly convinced of the truth of these words.

Since all living organisms are in close contact with the environment, each of them must contain, if not all, then most of the chemical elements of the periodic table. For example, in the adult human body the mass fraction of inorganic substances is 6%. Among the metals, these compounds contain Mg, Ca, Na, K. Many enzymes and other biologically active organic compounds in our body contain V, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, Mo, Cr and some other metals.

The adult body contains on average about 140 g of potassium ions and about 100 g of sodium ions. With food, we consume daily from 1.5 g to 7 g of potassium ions and from 2 g to 15 g of sodium ions. The need for sodium ions is so great that they must be specially added to food. Significant loss of sodium ions (in the form of NaCl in urine and sweat) adversely affects human health. Therefore, in hot weather, doctors recommend drinking mineral water. However, excessive salt content in food negatively affects the functioning of our internal organs (primarily the heart and kidneys).

The metals most commonly found in nature are widely used by humans; their role in our lives is invaluable. It is difficult to imagine production or life without aluminum, iron or magnesium.

What metals are most common?

These common metals are components of many minerals. It is known that in Russia, iron, chromium and manganese are in second position in terms of production volume after fuel and energy resources. It is known that the iron resource in the world is practically unlimited, but many countries import iron ores, this also applies to Russia.

Aluminum is widely distributed in the earth. Globally, its production reaches twenty million tons, using mainly bauxite. It is known that Russia ranks ninth in terms of bauxite reserves, although it is in second place in the production of primary metal.

What are the most common metals made from?

Manganese is used in metallurgy and industry, and its ability to form alloys with almost all known metals is used. Several grades of manganese steel and many non-iron alloys have been produced. The alloy of manganese and copper stands out especially. Manganese is often added to steel to increase its strength. Manganese is used to purify metals from sulfur.

Aluminum, thanks to the unique combination of its properties, is used in almost every field of technology, especially in the form of alloys. In electronics, it successfully replaces copper in the production of massive conductors. When producing electrical rectifiers and capacitors, it is impossible to do without ultra-pure aluminum. It is also used for the production of mirror reflectors.

Some twenty years ago it was rare to see window frames or building components made of aluminum. Nowadays, advertising banners, pavilions, partitions, frames for pillars, and so on are made from aluminum profiles. The popularity of this metal is explained by its amazing properties - corrosion resistance, durability and strength. The metal contains no harmful elements, which indicates the high environmental purity of the metal.

As you know, magnesium alloy has a unique property - it does not melt at ultra-high temperatures. That is why such an alloy is a real find for the manufacture of engine and aircraft parts operating at extremely high temperatures. Space rockets also cannot do without magnesium alloys.

The role of titanium in technology is important. Being six times stronger than aluminum, it is twice as heavy. Another of its useful properties is its refractoriness; it melts at a temperature of 1668 degrees, which exceeds the melting point of steel. The speed of aircraft built from titanium alloys was three times the speed of sound. Due to the friction of their skin against the atmosphere, considerable temperatures are formed, but the refractoriness of titanium prevents the skin from melting. The chemical resistance of titanium is unique. It is known that chemical equipment made of titanium alloys can be used much longer than similar equipment made of stainless steel.

The most common metal on earth

Aluminum combines a whole range of valuable properties - high ductility and thermal conductivity, low density and electrical conductivity, in addition - corrosion resistance. Thanks to this, it can be forged, rolled, stamped, and drawn.

Its most common alloy is duralumin. It is used as a basis in the manufacture of aircraft wings and fuselages. It is known that the shell of the first artificial Earth satellite was made of aluminum alloys. It is used in construction and industry. Flying metal is used to make parts of various machines, equipment used to produce various organic substances and acids, window frames and exterior cladding of high-rise buildings, rowing and motor boats, furniture, dishes, and so on.

In France there is a three-hundred-meter aluminum ocean liner. Not only the hull is made of aluminum, but also the bulkheads, internal parts, cabin walls, and even all the furniture.

Well, the most expensive metals in the world are not included in the list of the most common... You can also read about the most expensive metals on our website.
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Metals are a group of elements that have unique properties such as electrical conductivity, high heat transfer, positive resistance coefficient, characteristic luster and relative ductility. This type of substance is simple in chemical compounds.

Classification by groups

Metals are among the most common materials used by mankind throughout history. Most of them are located in the middle layers of the earth's crust, but there are also those hidden deep in mountain deposits.

At the moment, metals occupy most of the periodic table (94 out of 118 elements). Of the officially recognized groups, it is worth noting the following groups:

1. Alkaline(lithium, potassium, sodium, francium, cesium, rubidium). When in contact with water they form hydroxides.

2. Alkaline earth(calcium, barium, strontium, radium). They differ in density and hardness.

3. Lungs(aluminum, lead, zinc, gallium, cadmium, tin, mercury). Due to their low density, they are often used in alloys.

4. Transitional(uranium, gold, titanium, copper, silver, nickel, iron, cobalt, platinum, palladium, etc.). They have variable oxidation states.

5. Semimetals(germanium, silicon, antimony, boron, polonium, etc.). They have a crystalline covalent lattice in their structure.

6. Actinoids(americium, thorium, actinium, berkelium, curium, fermium, etc.).

7. Lanthanides(gadolinium, samarium, cerium, neodymium, lutetium, lanthanum, erbium, etc.).

It is worth noting that there are metals in the earth’s crust and those that are not defined in groups. These include magnesium and beryllium.

Native compounds

In nature, there is a separate class of crystal chemical codification. These elements include native minerals that are not related to each other in composition. Most often, native metals in nature are formed as a result of geological processes.

In the crystalline state, 45 substances are known in the earth's crust. Most of them are extremely rare in nature, hence their high cost. The share of such elements is only 0.1%. It is worth noting that finding these metals is also a labor-intensive and expensive process. It is based on the use of atoms with stable shells and electrons.

Native metals are also called noble metals. They are characterized by chemical inertia and stability of compounds. These include gold, palladium, platinum, iridium, silver, ruthenium, etc. Copper is most often found in nature. Iron in the native state is present mainly in mountain deposits in the form of meteorites. The rarest elements of the group are lead, chromium, zinc, indium and cadmium.

Basic properties

Almost all metals under normal conditions are hard and durable. The exception is francium and mercury, which are alkaline for all elements of the group. Its range ranges from -39 to +3410 degrees Celsius. Tungsten is considered the most resistant to melting. Its compounds lose their stability only at +3400 C. Among the easily melted metals, lead and tin should be distinguished.

Elements are also divided according to density (light and heavy) and plasticity (hard and soft). All metal connections are excellent conductors. This property is determined by the presence of crystal lattices with active electrons. Copper, silver and aluminum have the maximum conductivity, sodium has a slightly lower conductivity. It is worth noting the high thermal properties of metals. Silver is considered the best heat conductor, mercury the worst.

Metals in the environment

Most often, such elements can be found in ores. Metals in nature form sulfites, oxides, and carbonates. To purify compounds, it is first necessary to isolate them from the ore. The next step is alloying and finishing.

In industrial metallurgy, a distinction is made between ferrous and non-ferrous ores. The former are built on the basis of iron compounds, the latter - on other metals. Precious metals are considered platinum, gold and silver. Most of them are located in the earth's crust. However, a small share also comes from sea water.

There are noble elements even in living organisms. Humans contain about 3% metal compounds. To a large extent, the body contains sodium and calcium, which act as an intercellular electrolyte. Magnesium is necessary for the normal functioning of the central nervous system and muscle mass, iron is good for the blood, copper is good for the liver.

Finding metal compounds

Most elements are located everywhere under the top layer of soil. The most common metal in the earth's crust is aluminum. Its percentage varies within 8.2%. Finding the most common metal in the earth's crust is not difficult, since it occurs in the form of ores.

Iron and calcium are found a little less frequently in nature. Their percentage is 4.1%. Next come magnesium and sodium - 2.3% each, potassium - 2.1%. The remaining metals in nature occupy no more than 0.6%. It is noteworthy that magnesium and sodium can be equally obtained both in land and in sea water.

Metallic elements occur in nature in the form of ores or in a native state, such as copper or gold. There are substances that need to be obtained from oxides and sulfides, for example, hematite, kaolin, magnetite, galena, etc.

Metal production

The procedure for extracting elements comes down to extracting minerals. The discovery of metals in nature in the form of ores is the simplest and most common process in wide industry. To search for crystalline deposits, special geological equipment is used to analyze the composition of substances on a specific piece of land. Less often, the discovery of metals in nature comes down to the banal open-underground method.

After mining, the enrichment stage begins, when ore concentrate is separated from the original mineral. To distinguish elements, wetting, electric current, chemical reactions, and heat treatment are used. Most often, the release of metal ore occurs as a result of melting, that is, heating with reduction.

Aluminum mining

This process is carried out by non-ferrous metallurgy. In terms of the scale of consumption and production, it is a leader among other heavy industries. The most common metal in the earth's crust is in great demand in the modern world. In terms of production volume, aluminum is second only to steel.

This element is most used in the aviation, automotive and electrical industries. It is noteworthy that the most common metal in the earth’s crust can also be obtained “artificially”. Such a chemical reaction would require bauxite. Alumina is formed from them. By combining this substance with carbon electrodes and fluoride salt under the influence of electric current, you can obtain the purest

The leading country among producers of this component is China. Up to 18.5 million tons of metal are smelted there per year. The leading company in a similar ranking for aluminum production is the Russian-Swiss association UC RUSAL.

Application of metals

All elements of the group are durable, impermeable and relatively resistant to temperature. This is why metals are so common in everyday life. Today, they are used to make electrical wires, resistors, equipment, and household items.

Metals are ideal structural materials and pure and combined alloys are used in construction. In mechanical engineering and aviation, the main connections are steel and harder bonds.