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Most metals oxidize under the right conditions. Gold, platinum and palladium do not oxidize at room temperature, which is the reason they are used in jewelry and electronics. Stainless steel, titanium, tantalum and niobium are highly resistant to oxidation.

Rust is iron oxide. The forms Fe2O3, Fe3O4, and FeO are the most common. Rust is a porous coating, which allows air and water to get in contact with the base metal, and the rusting process continues. Iron and steel products except the many stainless steels will readily oxidize or rust in the presence of oxygen and water in the earth's environment. Stainless steels contain enough chromium (minimum of 13% Cr by weight) to retard the rusting process. The chromium contained in the alloy forms an oxide (oxidation!) that provides a thin barrier protecting the steel and making it "stainless." This does not mean it won't corrode eventually--only that it is highly resistant to oxidation.

Pure titanium is exceedingly resistant to attack from water and air. It can develop an extremely thin skin of oxidized titanium that provides a passive barrier separating the metal from its environment.

Anodization is a deliberate oxidization of aluminum (aluminum), titanium, magnesium, zinc or niobium that forms a passive barrier that protects the metal from further destruction.

Copper away from contact with other metals will oxidize to a strongly protective barrier coating, making the metal underneath durable. Copper alloyed with zinc (brass) and tin (bronze) also only oxidizes superficially, making these alloys stand up well to corrosion.

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13y ago

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AnswerBot

9mo ago

Metals such as iron, copper, aluminum, and magnesium are known to oxidize when exposed to oxygen in the air. This oxidation process forms a layer of metal oxide on the surface of the metal, which can lead to corrosion or rusting over time.

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13y ago

Strictly, only iron and its alloys "rust" and all other metals do not, because the verb "rust" strictly means to form iron oxide from iron. The more general term for metals is "corrode", and almost all elemental metals except gold, platinum, iridium, osmium, rhodium, ruthenium, and palladium corrode under some conditions that are at least moderately prevalent on earth. Any metal can be dissolved in some liquid under laboratory conditions, so that this kind of question is qualitative at best.

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13y ago

The most common metal that is highly resistant to corrosion is Gold. Other fairly common highly corrision-resistant metals include, Platinum, Rhodium, Palladium and Irridium. These metals are in the group called Nobel metals. Silver, Copper and Nickel are also Nobel metals, but they aren't as highly corrosion-resistant.

Oops... I was considering only elemental metals (not alloys). Of course some grades of Stainless Steel may also be considered corrosion-resistant.

Gold is also corrosion resistant, and Aluminium, on contact with air creates a layer of aluminum oxide that protects it from damage.

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Wiki User

13y ago

Form the elements' 0 oxidation state, almost all can be oxidized. The elements which cannot be are: Helium, Neon, Argon and Fluorine

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Wiki User

12y ago

Platinum metals: gold, rhodium, palladium, platinum, iridium, etc.

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10y ago

For example at room temperature zirconium, hafnium, platinum, osmium etc. doesn't react with water, acids and oxygen.

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12y ago

Platinum metals: gold, rhodium, palladium, platinum, iridium, etc.

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12y ago

Stainless steel, Aluminium, Gold etc

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Q: Which metals oxidize?
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Related questions

How does orange juice oxidize metals?

it doesn't


What metals oxidize under UV light?

Metals are not oxidized by UV radiation.


Can gold oxidize and tarnish over time?

Yes, gold can oxidize and tarnish over time, but it is very resistant to corrosion compared to other metals.


Name a disadvantage of ferrous metals?

They generally oxidize with exposure to the moisture in air, producing rust.


Metals may naturally oxidize and virtually always?

Metals may naturally oxidize when exposed to oxygen in the air, forming a thin layer of oxide on their surface. This process is virtually inevitable for most metals and can lead to corrosion over time if not properly treated or protected. Regular maintenance and use of protective coatings can help prevent this oxidation process.


What metal rusts by oxidation?

Many metals will oxidize but only Iron forms rust when doing so.


What elements undergoes rusting?

Most of the metals will oxidize, but the only one for which that process is called "rusting" is iron.


Why do metals oxidize more slowly in air?

Metals oxidize more slowly in air because the oxygen concentration in the air is lower compared to pure oxygen environments. This lower concentration results in a slower oxidation process for metals. Additionally, some metals form a protective oxide layer on their surface when exposed to air, further slowing down the oxidation process.


What block of elements on the periodic table will oxidize or lose elements?

They lose electrons, not elements. These are metals. Group I metals (IA or alkali metals), Group 2 metals (IIA or alkaline earth metals), transition metals (groups 3 thru 12), and all other metals.


Of the metals Pb Hg Na and Ca which is the most difficult to oxidize?

Mercury (Hg) is the most difficult to oxidize among the metals lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), sodium (Na), and calcium (Ca). Mercury has a unique electronic configuration that makes it reluctant to lose electrons and be oxidized.


What do you mean by noble metals?

The noble metals are a group of metals that resist oxidation and corrosion in moist air. They are the opposite of the base metals, which more readily oxidize and corrode. Some of the noble metals are gold, platinum, and iridium. Aside from being corrosion resistant, they are also very expensive.


Does 14kt Italian gold oxidize?

Gold itself does not oxidize, but other metals mixed with the gold alloy can oxidize and cause discoloration. Italian gold jewelry, typically made with higher proportions of pure gold and less alloys, is less likely to oxidize compared to lower-quality gold alloys. Proper care and maintenance can help prevent oxidation on any type of gold jewelry.