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Extracted from ancient kilns, in which ore was added and air was blown in. The first tools and weapons were made from copper, as well as many ornaments.
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Found naturally, being inert. Fashioned into jewellery, and valued for its rarity / human fascination.
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Used as a basis for monetary system, currency. An example is the currencies of the Roman and Chinese empires.
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Lead minerals extracted in a stone furnace, through smelting. Used for water pipes, roofing, gutters and tanks.
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Extracted through smelting. Started the Iron Age, in which it was prominently used for tools, weapons and construction.
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Extracted via heating, reduction from Mercury sulphide or oxide. Used in thermometers and fillings, batteries. Phasing out due to efficiency and safety concerns.
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Second most abundant metal in the Earth, used in the production of corrosion - resistant alloys.
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Extracted via mining, grinding, then chemically leaching the ore. Used almost exclusively in the production of nuclear fuels / weapons.
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Extracted via displacement with magnesium or sodium. Biocompatible, used in surgical implants and joint replacements. Also in many everyday products
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Mainly used as an additional alloy in steels for its corrosion - resistant properties. Essential for stainless steel production.
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Extracted via ore refining (Bayer process), then electrolytic purification. Most common metal in the Earth's crust. Many uses due to its lightness.
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Extremely rare, last naturally occurring element. No practical use has yet been developed for this metal.