transition metals [2]
Usually less reactant than alkali metals and alkaline earth metals but very good electric and thermal conductors. Many of these metals form vital alloys.
ununbium 
Artificial radioactive element that was first produced in laboratories in 1996; it is based on lead and zinc.
roentgenium 
Artificial radioactive element that was first produced in laboratories in 1994; it is based on bismuth and nickel.
darmstadtium 
Artificial radioactive element that was first produced in laboratories in 1994; it is based on nickel and lead.
meitnerium 
Artificial radioactive element that was first produced in laboratories in 1982; it is based on bismuth and iron.
mercury 
Rare metal that is used in measuring instruments (thermometers, barometers) and in the electricity industry.
gold 
Precious metal (nuggets, flakes) that is used as currency (ingots) and in jewelry, dentistry and electronics.
platinum 
Very rare metal used especially as a catalyst in chemistry (petrochemicals, vitamins), in jewelry and in precision equipment.
iridium 
Rare metal that is often alloyed with platinum; it is used especially in electric contacts and jewelry.
cadmium 
Metal that is used especially as a protective covering for steel, in rechargeable batteries and in nuclear reactors (control rods).
silver 
Precious metal that is the best conductor of heat and electricity; it is used especially in the manufacture of mirrors, jewelry and coins.
palladium 
Rare and precious metal that is used especially in dentistry (dental prostheses), jewelry (white gold) and in catalytic converters.
rhodium 
Rare metal that resists corrosion and hardens platinum and palladium; it is used especially in catalytic converters and jewelry.
ruthenium 
Rare metal that hardens platinum and palladium; it is used in the manufacture of electric contacts, spark plugs and jewelry.
zinc 
Relatively abundant metal that is resistant to corrosion; it is used especially in the manufacture of alloys, tires, paint, ointments and perfume.
copper 
Reddish-brown metal that is a very good conductor of heat and electricity; it is used mainly in the manufacture of electric wire and alloys (brass, bronze).
nickel 
Hard metal that resists corrosion; it is used in the manufacture of coins and cutlery, and as a protective coating for other metals (iron, copper).
cobalt 
Strong metal that is used in alloys (cutting tools, magnets) and in radiotherapy; it also yields a blue pigment.
iron 
The most used metal in the world due to its variety of alloys (steel, cast iron); it helps move oxygen through the body.