Ductile Collection

William Hyde Wollaston (1766-1828), English chemist, born at East Dereham, Norfolk, England. Wollaston discovered Palladium (1804), Rhodium (1805), and Ductile Platinum

Gold nuggets C014 / 4288
Gold nuggets. Gold (Au) is a transition metal element. It has a melting point of 1064 degrees Celsius. It is soft and the most malleable and ductile of all the metal elements

Gold nuggets C014 / 4289
Gold nuggets. Gold (Au) is a transition metal element. It has a melting point of 1064 degrees Celsius. It is soft and the most malleable and ductile of all the metal elements

Gold nuggets C014 / 4287
Gold nuggets. Gold (Au) is a transition metal element. It has a melting point of 1064 degrees Celsius. It is soft and the most malleable and ductile of all the metal elements

Gold nugget. Gold (Au) is a transition metal element. It has a melting point of 1064 degrees Celsius. It is soft and the most malleable and ductile of all the metal elements

Tinsmiths, artwork
Tinsmiths, historical artwork. Tin is one of the earliest metals used by man and is a relatively scarce element. It is malleable and ductile, allowing it to be worked by hand and tools

Brass wire production, artwork
Brass wire production, historical artwork. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It is malleable and relatively easily shaped into the wire form being produced here

Coppersmiths, artwork
Coppersmiths, historical artwork. Copper is a relatively soft metal, which means it can be worked and hammered into shape without heating

Continental and oceanic crust, artwork C016 / 3737
Continental and oceanic crust. Cutaway block artwork of the Earths crust (brown) at the edge of a continent. It is thinnest beneath the ocean (far right), thicker beneath the continent (centre)

Native copper. Copper which is found naturally in a pure (chemically uncombined) state is termed " native copper"

Lead, SEM
Lead, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Lead is a heavy, soft, ductile metal. It is used in building technology, batteries and bullets

Lead oxide crystals on lead, SEM
Lead oxide crystals, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Lead is a heavy, soft, ductile metal that, under normal conditions, does not react with water

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"Ductile: The Remarkable Property of Flexibility" Ductility, a term coined by William Hyde Wollaston, is the remarkable property that allows certain materials to be stretched or deformed without breaking. This concept revolutionized the world of metallurgy and has had profound implications in various industries. Imagine holding a gold nugget in your hand - its lustrous surface gleaming with elegance. Gold, one of the most ductile metals known to man, can be easily shaped into intricate designs without losing its integrity. It was Wollaston who first recognized this unique characteristic of gold and defined it as ductility. Intriguingly, gold nuggets like those depicted in images C014 / 4288, C014 / 4289, and C014 / 4287 showcase not only their inherent beauty but also their ability to withstand shaping processes due to their high ductility. These captivating specimens serve as a testament to the malleability of this precious metal. Artwork depicting tinsmiths skillfully crafting objects from sheets of metal exemplifies how ductility plays a crucial role in traditional trades. Brass wire production artwork showcases how skilled artisans utilize this property to create delicate yet sturdy wires for various applications. Coppersmiths too have relied on the ductile nature of copper throughout history. Artistic depictions capture their mastery over this material as they transform it into functional and ornamental pieces using techniques that leverage its pliability. Beyond these artistic representations lies an understanding that extends far beyond human craftsmanship. Artwork illustrating continental and oceanic crust (C016 / 3737) reminds us that even geological formations are influenced by materials' ability to undergo deformation without fracturing under immense pressure. Native copper itself stands as evidence of nature's innate capacity for ductility. Its occurrence in pure form demonstrates how minerals can exhibit flexibility when subjected to geological forces over time. Even lead, showcased through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), reveals its ductile nature.