3.4 Occurrence of Metals

Explore where metals are found in nature and discover the fascinating processes used to extract them from their ores

Earth's Crust

The major source of metals containing minerals and ores

Reactivity Series
K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al
Zn, Fe, Pb
Cu, Ag, Au
Explore Metal Occurrence
Metal Extraction Methods
⚡
Electrolysis
Used for highly reactive metals that cannot be reduced by carbon
Metals: K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al
🔥
Carbon Reduction
Heating metal oxides with carbon to extract the metal
Metals: Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu
🌡️
Simple Heating
Least reactive metals extracted by heating alone
Metals: Hg, Cu (from sulfides), Ag, Au
Common Ores
Cinnabar
HgS
Mercury ore
Copper Glance
Cu₂S
Copper ore
Bauxite
Al₂O₃
Aluminium ore
Hematite
Fe₂O₃
Iron ore
Galena
PbS
Lead ore
Zinc Blende
ZnS
Zinc ore