How are metals formed?
Metals are the cornerstone of modern civilisation. They power the machines we use, dictate our economies as we hand them from pocket to pocket, and, if we go back far enough, help distinguish us from the rest of the animal kingdom. But how are they formed?
How metals are formed
Metals first came into existence a little while ago – a few billion years ago, to be precise. The ideal conditions for metal formation are within huge celestial bodies, like stars. The combination of extreme heat, pressure and chemical reactions leads to the formation of new elements.
For planets, the same is true, although the Earth obviously isn’t quite as dense – or warm – as the sun, for instance. However, the aforementioned variables can still take effect over millions of years and eventually produce ores, which manifest in deep underground veins or as sedimentary deposits.
Lying dormant within the Earth, metals are eventually unearthed by us, being mined and then smelted to extract the essential metals from the rock. This provides raw, malleable metal that can be manufactured to serve a variety of purposes.
How we form metal
Once we’ve extracted metals from the earth, we’re able to really shake things up. Metals can be moulded, melded and manufactured using a variety of techniques. Casting and forging can be used to reshape metals into complex forms, with an array of uses.
Other methods, like surface treatments, can be used to strengthen existing materials by adding a layer of metal. Depending on the combination, you can improve durability or corrosion resistance or simply add an aesthetic flair. For example, sulphuric acid anodising, one of the specialised surface treatments found at www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/anodising/sulphuric-acid-anodising, adds a silvery touch to a surface, applying all the aforementioned features to your desired material.
From ancient axes to modern axles, metals have always kept humans ahead of the curve. From being formed in the Earth’s core to being formed into alloys in factories, our relationship with metals has continued to grow and develop as we have. Who can tell what the future holds for metals and mankind?
