5 Fundamental Categories of Metal

If you are entering into the world of scrap metal recycling, it will help to learn which metals you will likely come by and how their particular properties can affect your overall profit. Although there are various kinds of metals and metal alloys, most can fit into one of five basic categories. The top five fundamental categories arguably include ferrous, nonferrous, precious, base, and noble metals.

Continue reading to learn some facts about each category, as well as, how to get started with earning money for your scrap metal.

Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 1-888-586-5322
Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 1-888-586-5322

❶ Ferrous Metals

The word “ferrous” translates to “of iron”, so ferrous metals are those that contain iron. Iron retains magnetic properties, which means that magnets will attract to commodities that are primarily comprised of iron. However in some cases, the concentration of iron is too weak to attract a magnet, so additional equipment would be necessary in determining its true composition. The most common types of ferrous metals include wrought iron, cast iron, mild steel, carbon steel, and stainless steel.

❷ Nonferrous Metals

In contrast to ferrous metal, non-ferrous metals do not contain any iron content. If a magnet does not attract to an item, you can safely assume that it is nonferrous. Common types of nonferrous metals include copper, aluminum, lead, nickel, zinc, and brass.

❸ Precious Metals

Precious metals can be either ferrous or nonferrous, as they are any metal that retains high economic value and is a rare, naturally-occurring element. Common precious metals include gold and silver, but others high in value include platinum, zirconium, tungsten, cobalt, ruthenium, palladium, iridium, osmium, and rhodium.

❹ Noble Metals

Noble metals are still a debated category, as they are not always well-defined. However, for those who side with the categorization, noble metals are best defined as those that filled electron d-band. Under this definition, examples of noble metals would include gold, silver, and copper. Others suggest noble metals are those that resists oxidation and corrosion in moist air, which would exclude copper, but add in certain precious metals, like rhodium, palladium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium.

❺ Base Metals

Base metals are metals that cannot, and are not, noble nor precious. In fact, a base metal is the opposite of a noble metal. On the other hand, silver could be an exception to this rule since it is sometimes used as a base metal for gold and platinum coatings. See our blog, “What are Base Metals?” to learn more about this category of metal.

Looking for a Scrap Metal Buyer in Indiana?

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. We buy and recycle any and all scrap metal and metal-containing commodities, regardless of condition. Whether it is covered in rust or not, we will accept anything with metal, including appliances, vehicles, auto parts, farm equipment, construction equipment and materials, boats, watercrafts, scooters, motorcycles, RVs, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322
Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322

Choose Garden City Iron & Metal for the Highest Scrap Metal Profit in Indiana

Garden City Iron & Metal is your “One-Stop Shop” for scrap metal recycling service in Indiana! With direct sells, free pickup, and easy off-loading, there is no easier or more convenient way to sell your scrap metal for cash on the spot. Best of all, we pay the highest reimbursements for scrap metal material and commodities in the state!

Continue below to learn exactly why you should choose us for the best profit you can find for your scrap metal in Indiana.

Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers
Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 1-888-586-5322

An All-in-One Scrap Metal Campus

Garden City Iron & Metal is truly a one stop shop for all your metal recycling needs in Central Indiana. As an integral part of the local recycling community, Garden City Iron & Metal is different from our competition because we retain state-of-the-art technologies and a deep dedication to environmental wellness. With these incredible attributes, we are able to divert thousands of pounds of scrap metal waste from landfills each year. You too can be a part of that initiative and positively impact the balance of national trade and resource sustainability by recycling scrap metal and junk metal commodities!

Comprehensive Recycling Services

Garden City Iron & Metal provides a wide range of metal recycling services, including junk car buying, auto recycling, car part recycling, and much more. Our professional metal recyclers take all types and grades of metal, including iron, steel, copper, nickel, titanium, brass, aluminum, and even precious metals like gold, platinum, and silver. And best of all, we pay CASH ON THE SPOT for it all!

We use a concentrated, systematic approach and advanced technologies to ensure you receive an accurate estimate in accordance with the current market prices for metal, including our innovative, state-certified electronic scales, and extensive, hands-on knowledge of the current metals market. We really can offer the best price for your scrap metal and metal waste.

Our Company Mission

As a locally-owned and operated business, we take great pride in being a part of the local scrap metal recycling industry. Our scrap metal recycling services divert hundreds of pounds of metal waste each year, thus helping to reduce landfills and support the initiative to maintain a healthy balance of trade and resource sustainability in the United States. Our commitment to this meaningful enterprise is just as strong as our commitment to providing outstanding service for our clientele. You can trust our metal scrappers and junk car buyers to deliver the highest standards of integrity and professionalism when it comes to purchasing your scrap metal.

How to Get Started

Our certified scrap metal buyers are based out of Indianapolis, but we serve all of Central Indiana. And, we make the process simple. All you have to do is request a free quote and come to our complex for weight evaluation and payment! Contact us anytime at 1-888-586-5322 to get started, today! You can also submit an email from our Indianapolis scrap metal website!

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322
Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322