Definition and examples of base metals
- Base metals are distinguished by their tendency to oxidize or corrode easily and react variably with diluted hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form hydrogen.
- Examples of base metals include iron, nickel, lead, and zinc.
- Copper is also considered a base metal because it oxidizes relatively easily, although it does not react with HCl.
Base metals in mining and economics
- In mining and economics, base metals refer to industrial non-ferrous metals excluding precious metals.
- Copper, lead, nickel, and zinc are commonly classified as base metals in this context.
Base metals in plated metal products
- In plated metal products, the base metal serves as the underlying layer beneath the plating metal.
- For example, copper acts as the base metal underlying silver in Sheffield plate.
Related terms and concepts
- London Metal Exchange
- Philosopher's stone
- Pot metal
- Reactivity series
References
- Oxford dictionary definition of base metal
- Introduction to Numismatic Terms and Methods (source: numismatics.org)
- Base Metal and Iron Ore Mining (source: Pollution Prevention and Abatement Handbook, WORLD BANK GROUP 1998)
- What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: Household Articles of Base Metal (source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Jan. 2010)
Base metal Data Sources
| Reference | URL |
|---|---|
| Glossary | https://harryandcojewellery.com.au/blogs/glossary/base-metal |
| Wikipedia | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Base_metal |
| Wikidata | https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q428855 |
| Knowledge Graph | https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/0263w8 |