Light metal

Metals with low densities

Light metals

Metals and metalloids
with a density < 5 g/cm³

A light metal is any metal of relatively low density.^[1] These may be pure elements, but more commonly are metallic alloys. Lithium and then potassium are the two lightest metallic elements.

Magnesium, aluminium and titanium alloys are light metals of significant commercial importance.^[2] Their densities of 1.7, 2.7 and 4.5 g/cm³ range from 19 to 56% of the densities of other structural metals,^[3] such as iron (7.9) and copper (8.9).

See also

• Heavy metals
• List of elements by density

References

1. Jackson JA, Mehl JP, Neuendorf KKE (eds) 2005, Glossary of Geology, 5th ed., American Geological Institute, Alexandria, ISBN 0-922152-76-4, p. 371
2. Brandes EA & Brook GB (eds) 1998, Light Metals Handbook, Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford, ISBN 0-7506-3625-4, p. viii
3. Polmear I 2006, Light Alloys: From Traditional Alloys to Nanocrystals, 4th ed., Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford, ISBN 0-7506-6371-5, p. 1