Hardness of some pure metals
Metals are known for their rigidity, various uses, and ability to be molded, machined, and processed in many different ways. The hardness of a metal refers to how resistant it is to deformation from other objects. However, it is important to note that metals can have different levels of hardness, depending on their composition and the type of processing they have gone through. In general, pure metals tend to be softer than alloys, which is why they are often used as a base material in a variety of industrial applications.
One of the most commonly-used pure metals is aluminum, which has a wide range of applications, from domestic tools and utensils to food packaging, automotive and aerospace components, and in the construction industry. Its hardness is measured at 13 on the Mohs scale, making it fairly soft and malleable compared to other metals.
Tin is another pure metal that is commonly used in the manufacturing industry to give different items, like cans and sheets, a protective coating. It has a higher hardness, measured at 17 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the harder pure metals.
Copper is another popular pure metal, used for many building and electrical projects, as well as decorative objects. Its hardness is measured at 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, making it softer than most other pure metals.
Lead is a very dense pure metal, used mostly in construction and industrial applications. It can have a hardness ranging from 1.5 to 2 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the softer pure metals.
Iron is a very important raw material used in many industries, most notably in the production of steel. Its hardness can range from 4.5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale, making it harder than some pure metals but softer than others.
The hardness of pure metals can vary greatly depending on their composition and the processing they have undergone. In general, aluminum, tin, copper, lead, and iron are some of the softer pure metals. However, alloys tend to be harder than pure metals, because of their higher composition of certain elements.
