Metals originally come from ores, which are natural rocks or sediments containing metal minerals, buried within the Earth's crust. These metals formed deep inside stars through nucleosynthesis and were delivered to Earth by cosmic events like supernova explosions. On Earth, metals are found mostly combined with other elements in ores and must be extracted through mining and refining processes involving crushing, heating, chemical baths, and smelting. Humans initially found some metals in their native state and later learned to extract and alloy metals to create stronger materials like bronze and steel for various uses.

Sources of Metals

• Metals come from ore-bearing rocks found in the Earth’s crust.
• Important metal ores include iron ore for steel, bauxite for aluminum, copper ore, and minerals like rutile and ilmenite for titanium.
• Metal concentrations vary geographically, with major suppliers being countries such as China, USA, Russia, Australia, Chile, and others.

Formation of Metals in the Universe

• Metals were formed inside stars through intense heat and pressure.
• Supernova explosions scattered these metals across the cosmos, eventually forming planets including Earth.

Extraction and Use

• Metals are extracted from ores through mining, then refined and sometimes combined to form alloys (e.g., bronze from copper and tin, steel from iron and carbon).
• These metals and alloys are used widely in construction, transportation, electronics, and many other applications.