The Most Useful Metal, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the metal you think is the most useful!

Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:58

In the grand scheme of modern industry and technology, metals form the backbone of numerous essential tools, products, and structures. Their importance can't be overstated, from supporting the framework of buildings to forming the core components of electronic devices. Thus, identifying the most useful metal is not just an academic exercise; it's a query with genuine, practical implications for engineering, manufacturing, and environmental sustainability. By participating in this live ranking, users contribute to a collective understanding of which metals are currently deemed most valuable across various sectors. This ongoing voting process helps in adjusting industry focus and innovation towards the metals that are voted to be of greatest utility. It's a dynamic way to see community opinion in action and to reflect on how these opinions can shape market trends and research priorities.

What Is the Most Useful Metal?

1

59
votes
Iron

Iron the most widely used metal in the world due to its strength and durability in construction and manufacturing.
Iron is a mineral supplement commonly used to address iron deficiency and prevent or treat anemia. It plays a critical role in transporting oxygen throughout the body and helps to create red blood cells. Iron supplements are typically available in the form of ferrous salts, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous fumarate, which are easily absorbed by the body.

Safety Precautions: Iron supplements should be kept out of reach of children

Primary Function: Iron deficiency treatment and anemia prevention

Form: Ferrous salts (e.g., ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate)

Dosage: Varies depending on individual needs and doctor's recommendation

Recommended Daily Intake for Adult Men: 8 mg per day
2

38
votes
Aluminum

Aluminum lightweight and corrosion-resistant, used in transportation (cars, planes) and packaging.
Aluminum is a lightweight and highly corrosion-resistant metal. It is known for its excellent combination of strength and versatility, making it widely used in various industries. Aluminum is commonly used in applications where weight reduction is critical, such as in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries.

Atomic Symbol: Al

Atomic Number: 13

Atomic Weight: 26.98

Melting Point: 660.32 °C (1220.58 °F)

Boiling Point: 2519 °C (4566 °F)
3

17
votes
Copper

Copper a good conductor of electricity and heat, used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and electronics.
Copper is a ductile and malleable metal with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. It possesses high corrosion resistance and is commonly used for various applications in industries such as electronics, electrical engineering, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Copper is considered one of the most challenging materials to weld due to its high thermal conductivity and low melting point.

Atomic Number: 29

Atomic Symbol: Cu

Atomic Weight: 63.546

Melting Point: 1,083.4°C (1,982.12°F)

Boiling Point: 2,567°C (4,652.6°F)
4

13
votes
Gold

Gold highly malleable and ductile, used in jewelry, electronics, and currency.
Gold is a bright, metallic yellow color that resembles the natural element gold. It is a popular color for jewelry, art, and decorations. It is often associated with wealth, luxury, and success.

Hex Code: #FFD700

RGB Value: 255, 215, 0

CMYK Value: 0, 16, 100, 0

Hue: 51.429

Saturation: 100%
5

15
votes

Silver

Silver a good conductor of electricity and used in jewelry, electronics, and photography.
6

19
votes
Titanium

Titanium strong and lightweight, used in aerospace, medical implants, and sports equipment.
Titanium is a lightweight, yet incredibly strong and durable metal that is commonly used in the creation of jewelry, including rings. It has a distinct silver-gray color and a lustrous finish, giving it a modern and sleek appearance. Titanium rings are popular among individuals looking for a comfortable and hypoallergenic material for their jewelry.

Density: 4.54 g/cm³

Melting Point: 1,668°C

Tensile Strength: 434 MPa

Young's Modulus: 116 GPa

Hardness (Vickers): 240 HV
7

18
votes
Zinc

Zinc used in galvanizing steel, as a component in batteries, and in the production of brass.
Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a brittle metal that is bluish-white in appearance. It is most commonly used as a protective coating for iron and steel, as it helps prevent corrosion. Zinc is also used in the production of alloys, such as brass, and as a component in batteries.

Atomic Symbol: Zn

Atomic Number: 30

Appearance: Bluish-white

Physical State: Solid

Melting Point: 419.53 °C
8

6
votes
Nickel

Nickel used in stainless steel, as a component in batteries, and in electronics.
Nickel is a chemical element with the symbol Ni and atomic number 28. It is a silvery-white lustrous metal that is ductile and resistant to corrosion and oxidation. It belongs to the transition metals and is found in the Earth's crust, primarily in combination with iron and sulfur.

Symbol: Ni

Atomic Number: 28

Color: Silvery-white

Luster: Lustrous

Ductility: Ductile
9

12
votes
Lead

Lead used in batteries, ammunition, and radiation shielding.
Lead is a dense, soft, and malleable metal with a bluish-white hue. It is one of the most ancient metals known to humans, widely used for various purposes due to its beneficial properties and ease of extraction. Lead has a low melting point and is highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for applications that require durability and long-term stability.

Atomic number: 82

Atomic symbol: Pb

Atomic weight: 207.2 u

Melting point: 327.5°C (621.5°F)

Boiling point: 1,744°C (3,171°F)
10

6
votes
Platinum

Platinum a catalyst for chemical reactions, used in catalytic converters for automobiles and in jewelry.
Platinum is a stunning hair color that embodies a sleek and icy white shade, resembling the shine of platinum metal. It is highly desired for its unique and eye-catching appearance.

Hair Color Category: Light Blonde

Undertones: Cool and silver-toned

Level: 10 (lightest blonde)

Intensity: Highly vibrant and reflective

Maintenance: Requires regular touch-ups to maintain root regrowth

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Ranking factors for useful metal

Abundance

The metal should be readily available and abundant in nature to meet the demand.
Durability

The metal should be strong and durable to withstand wear and tear.
Conductivity

The metal should be a good conductor of heat and electricity.
Versatility

The metal should have a wide range of applications in various fields such as construction, transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Corrosion resistance

The metal should be resistant to corrosion and rust, especially in harsh environments and outdoor conditions.
Malleability and ductility

The metal should be easily shaped and formed into different shapes and sizes.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most useful metal. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or metal is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1772 views
193 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each metal once every 24 hours. The rank of each metal is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most useful metal

Metals have been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years. From tools and weapons to transportation and construction, metals have played a crucial role in shaping the world we live in today. But which metal is the most useful? That’s a question that has been debated for centuries. Some argue that steel, with its high strength and versatility, is the most useful metal. Others believe that aluminum, with its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, is the clear winner. And then there’s gold, which has been prized for its beauty and value throughout history. Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on the specific application and context. But one thing is certain - metals will continue to be an essential part of our lives for generations to come.