Current Scrap Metal Prices For Steel and Iron

The following is a list of the current prices for various types of scrap metal. These prices are based on the demand for these metals, as well as any tariffs that may be in place. If you have scrap metal to sell, now is a great time to do so.

For Scrap Metal Recycling in Indianapolis, Call 1-888-586-5322 Now!
For Scrap Metal Recycling in Indianapolis, Call 1-888-586-5322 Now!

2022 Scrap Metal Prices

The current scrap metal prices are high due to the demand for steel and other metals. The price of aluminum has also increased due to the tariffs in place. If you have scrap metal, now is a great time to sell it. The following outlines the current prices for various types of scrap metal.

Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals are a type of metal that contains iron and are used in a variety of applications. They are known for their strength and durability, making them ideal for use in construction and other high-stress environments. In addition to their strength, ferrous metals also have good electrical and thermal conductivity, making them suitable for use in a variety of electrical and industrial applications. While ferrous metal is not as abundant as other types of metal, they are an important part of the global economy and play a vital role in many industries.

▶ Ferrous metals such as steel and iron are currently going for $0.06-$0.08 per pound.

Non-Ferrous Metals

Nonferrous metals are a type of metal that does not contain iron. This includes metals such as aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, and zinc. Nonferrous metals are used in a variety of industries and applications due to their unique properties. You can use a magnet to determine if a metal is non-ferrous. If the magnet refuses to stick, it is nonferrous metal.

▶ Non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, and brass are currently going for $0.30-$0.50 per pound.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron with a minimum of 10.5% chromium. This means it is magnetic. This chromium creates an invisible surface film that resists oxidation and makes the material ‘stainless’ or corrosion resistant. There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, all containing different proportions of elements to suit different applications. Popular grades include 409, 430, and 439.

▶ Stainless steel is currently going for $0.22-$0.28 per pound. This changes more frequently than other grades of steel.

Looking to sell your scrap metal for cash on the spot in Indianapolis? If you have any questions about the current scrap metal prices, please contact Garden City Iron and Metal, today. Our scrap metal buyers in Indianapolis would be happy to help you determine the value of your scrap metal.

Related Posts:

How to Recycle Metal Beer Kegs in Indianapolis
Why We Need to Recycle More Scrap Steel
Can I Recycle Wrought Iron?

Thank you for reading! Check back for new blogs each month!

The Most Popular Grades of Copper

Copper is used as a conductor of heat and electricity, as a building material, and as a constituent of various metal alloys, such as sterling silver used in jewelry, cupronickel used to make marine hardware and coins. It is available in a wide range of sizes and shapes and can be bought in everything from wire and tubing to sheets and foil. The most common grades of copper are Grade A, B, C, and D, also known as Grade 1 through 4.

Continue below to learn details about each grade of copper, plus the top reasons why you should recycle all scrap copper on hand.

Recycle copper wire and more in Indianapolis!
Copper Metal Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

Fundamental Copper Facts

Copper is a versatile metal that can be used in a variety of applications. It is an excellent electrical conductor, making it ideal for electrical wiring. It is also resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for plumbing and other water-based applications. Because of its unique properties, copper has been used for thousands of years in a variety of applications. Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu (from Latin: cuprum) and atomic number 29. It is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. A freshly exposed surface of pure copper has a pinkish-orange color.

4 Main Types of Copper

There are four primary grades of commercial copper grades on the market today. They’re all usable for a variety of applications, but each has its own set of characteristics that make it ideal for specific tasks.

Grade 1 (A) Copper is the highest quality copper. It’s 99.9% pure, and is used in electrical applications where high conductivity is required.

Grade 2 (B) Copper is 99% pure, and is used in applications where a higher level of ductility is needed.

Grade 3 (C) Copper is 97% pure, and is used in general engineering applications.

Grade 4 (D) Copper is 95% pure, and is the most common type of commercial copper.

Grades of Scrap Copper

There are three primary grades of recyclable copper: scrap, virgin, and oxide. Scrap copper includes everything from electrical wiring to plumbing pipes. Virgin copper is mined directly from the earth. Oxide copper is a byproduct of mining and smelting operations.

Scrap copper is the most common type of recycled copper. It can be reused in a variety of applications. Electrical wiring is the most common use for scrap copper. Plumbing pipes, gutters, and roofing material can also be made from scrap copper.

Virgin copper is mined directly from the earth. This copper is often used in electrical wiring and plumbing applications. Virgin copper is also used in the production of coins, jewelry, and other decorative items.

Oxide copper is a byproduct of mining and smelting operations. This copper is often used in electrical applications. Oxide copper can also be used in the production of coins, jewelry, and other decorative items.

Scrap Copper Recycling

Copper can be recycled indefinitely without losing any of its properties. In fact, recycling copper uses less energy than mining and processing new copper. Copper recycling is a great way to conserve this valuable resource.

Are you looking for a trusted metal recycling center that will process scrap copper responsibly? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and metal commodities, including copper wire, appliances, electronics, and junk cars.

Related Posts:

Tips for Stripping Copper Wire for Scrap Metal
Where To Look For Scrap Copper
Popular Grades of Aluminum Metal and Their Current Market Values

Why We Need to Recycle More Scrap Steel

Continue below to learn why steel is such as valuable and necessary metal that should be recycled and reprocessed as much as possible.

Steel Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322
Steel Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

Facts About the Properties of Steel

Steel metal is an alloy of iron and carbon, and sometimes other elements. Because of its high tensile strength and low cost, it is a major component in buildings, infrastructure, tools, ships, automobiles, machines, appliances, and weapons. Iron is the base metal of steel. Iron is able to take on two crystalline forms (allotropic forms), body centered cubic (BCC), and face centered cubic (FCC), depending on its temperature. In the body-centered cubic arrangement, there is an iron atom in the center of each cube, and in the face-centered cubic, there is one at the center of each of the six faces of the cube. At the body-centered cubic phase, it becomes a weaker and softer metal. When steel has too little carbon, it is known as wrought iron. Wrought iron is malleable, but not as tough as steel.

Carbon Composition in Steel

The amount of carbon in steel affects its properties to a great extent. Steel with less than 0.2% carbon by weight is known as “mild steel” or “low-carbon steel”. It has good machinability, ductility, and weldability. This type of steel is used for making pipes, auto parts, machine tools, buildings, bridges, railway tracks, ships etc. Medium-carbon steel (0.2% to 0.5% carbon) is used for making tools, machine parts, pipes, railway tracks etc. because of its good hardness, strength, and wear resistance. High-carbon steel (0.5% to 1.0% carbon) is used for making knives, cutting tools, springs, bearings etc. because of its extremely high hardness and wear resistance. Ultra-high-carbon steel (1.0% to 2.0% carbon) is the hardest and strongest type of steel, but it is also very brittle. It is used for making cutting tools, knives, drill bits etc.

Classifications of Steel Metal

Steel can be classified into four main types: carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel and stainless steel. Carbon steel is the most common type of steel. It contains only a small amount of carbon (usually less than 0.25%). Carbon steel is further divided into low-carbon steel, medium-carbon steel, and high-carbon steel. Alloy steel contains one or more alloying elements (e.g. manganese, silicon, nickel, titanium etc.) in addition to carbon.

Tool steel contains a high concentration of carbon (usually between 1.0% and 2.0%), as well as one or more alloying elements, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, or tungsten, which gives it special properties that are suitable for making tools. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium and sometimes other elements (e.g. nickel, molybdenum, titanium etc.), that resists corrosion and oxidation. The chromium content of stainless steel ranges from 10% to 30%. Stainless steel is used for making kitchen utensils, surgical instruments, food processing equipment, chemical containers, and more.

The Importance of Steel Recycling

Steel recycling is important because it conserves natural resources, saves energy and reduces pollution. Steel is the most recycled material in the world—more than all other materials combined. While steel production emits greenhouse gases, the recycling of steel drastically reduces these emissions. Recycling just one ton of steel cans saves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone.

In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, recycling steel conserves energy and other natural resources. It takes 75 percent less energy to recycle a pound of steel than it does to create a new pound from scratch. This is because the process of melting and reforming steel from recycled scrap uses only a fraction of the energy required to process virgin ore.

 Steel recycling also reduces pollution by cutting down on the need to mine, transport and process new ore. The steel-making process is one of the most energy-intensive and polluting industries in the world. Every year, steel production generates around 2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, about 5 percent of global emissions. Reducing the need for new steel production can help to reduce these emissions and slow down climate change.

While recycling steel has many environmental benefits, it also makes good economic sense. Recycling steel saves money by reducing the need to buy new materials, and it also creates jobs in the steel recycling and manufacturing industries.

In short, steel recycling is important because it helps to conserve resources, save energy and reduce pollution. Steel is the most recycled material in the world, and recycling just one ton of steel can save 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone. Recycling steel also creates jobs and reduces pollution.

Are you wondering which Indianapolis metal recycling center will pay you the most cash for your steel and iron scrap metal? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and pay cash on the spot! We also offer free junk car removal.

Related Posts:

Are Steel Prices Good Right Now?
Facts About Steel Pickling
Why You Should Recycle Steel Automotive Parts

Can Things Be Recycled Over and Over Again?

How many times can something be recycled? The answer depends on what is being recycled. Continue reading to learn about recycling materials like plastic, glass, metal, and more, including how many times they can be recycled and repurposed into new products for all of society to use.

Metal Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322
Metal Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

Indefinitely Recyclable or Not?

When it comes to recycling, some materials can be recycled over and over again without losing any of its structural integrity or properties. Other materials can only be recycled a limited number of times before they are no longer capable of withstanding another recycling and repurposing process. Such materials degrade, deteriorate, and lose original structural integrity after each cycle.

Even though some materials can only be recycled a few times while others can be recycled indefinitely, it is important to do your duty to help conserve our natural resources and by recycling as much as you possibly can, both at home and at work.

Glass

Glass is often overlooked recyclable material, which is unfortunate because it is also capable of being recycled over and over again without end. Glass does not lose any of its structural properties or strength during the recycling and reprocessing phases. The catch is that it must be the right kind of glass , plus it all has to be properly sorted and recycled within its own category.

Paper

Paper is recyclable products on earth. However, paper can only be recycled a certain number of times before begins to degrade and lose its structural integrity. R. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, paper can usually withstand six or seven and losing value. Recycled paper is often used. To make straws, disposable plateware, napkins, paper towels, boxes, mulch, and more.

Plastic

Plastic is another very popular and common recyclable material and a very important one to recycle. The downfall is plastic can usually only withstand one recycling process before breaking down completely. For this reason, collected plastic is often downcycled into commodities like fleece apparel and plastic lumber.

Metal

Metal is perhaps one of the most important materials for recycling. Metal recycling supports the preservation of our natural resources, which reduces our need to mind for new ores. Mining for new ores also creates air pollution and land pollution due to the refining process is used in the factories and mining fields. Recycling metal is one of the best ways to support environmental protection and longevity. Best of all, metal can be recycled indefinitely.

Looking for a reputable and professional metal recycling center that will pay you the best value for your scrap metal? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and metal commodities, including cars, construction equipment, and auto parts.

Related Posts:

Can I Recycle Wrought Iron?
How to Find and Sell Scrap Metal in Your Town
The Benefits of Small Business Recycling

5 Appliances That Contain the Most Scrap Aluminum

Procuring an older home or business space might require you to make some hefty renovations and replacements. Appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners are prime examples of common appliances that need to be replaced after so many years. If you are replacing a bunch of old or broken appliances in your home or business, be sure to recycle them for the valuable scrap aluminum inside.

Continue below to learn which appliances contain the most scrap aluminum metal, plus where to get the most cash for appliance recycling in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Appliance Recycling 1-888-586-5322
Indianapolis Appliance Recycling 1-888-586-5322

Best Appliances for Scrap Aluminum Recycling

Most Indianapolis scrap metal recycling companies accept any and all home and commercial appliances. However, aluminum is more valuable per pound than other metals found in general scrap materials. So, if you’re looking to make a good profit from scrap aluminum recycling, appliance recycling is the way to go. Although appliances generally contain a lot of steel, they are also designed with a notable quantity of aluminum constituents. Appliances that also contain plumbing parts offer copper scrap. This makes these appliances even more valuable, like refrigerators and dishwashing machines.

Get the Most Scrap Aluminum From These 5 Appliances:

Refrigerators

Refrigerators will need to be replaced after a certain amount of time. For those who just moved into a previously owned home, the urgency to replace appliances like refrigerators is even higher since everybody wants their very own, clean refrigerator. Refrigerators also break down, which might require them to be replaced. Some people also want to just update the refrigerators because modern technology today offers so many advanced amenities like touchscreens and energy efficient designs. Either way, if you have a refrigerator that you need to get rid of, recycle it for the notable scrap aluminum contents inside.

Air Conditioners

Like most appliances, air conditioners are prone to breaking down. Furthermore, air conditioners need to be replaced every 5 to 8 years. When you have an old air conditioner to get rid of, recycle it for the scrap aluminum metal parts on the interior and exterior of the unit.

Stoves

Whether gas or electric, stoves are the perfect appliance to recycle. Stoves contain a good amount of aluminum scrap metal. And since stoves tend to be heavier, they can generate a decent profit at a local scrapyard or metal recycling center.

Dishwashers

The motor inside of a dishwashing machine contains valuable aluminum scrap metal. Dishwashers also contain a good amount of sheet aluminum metal. Because dishwasher motors also contain copper, they are even more valuable in terms of appliances worthy of recycling.

Washing Machines

Like refrigerators and dishwashers, washing machines are a plumbed appliance, which means they contain both aluminum and copper. Old washing machines can be recycled at local metal scrapyard for high dollar amount. This goes for dryers to!

Are you ready to make an exciting profit from recycling old or broken appliances in Indiana? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer about appliance recycling in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and metal commodities, regardless of age or condition.

Related Posts:

Is it Time to Replace My Hot Water Heater?
What You Should Know Before Buying a Gas Furnace
Popular Grades of Aluminum Metal and Their Current Market Values

Can I Recycle Wrought Iron?

It is a common misunderstanding to confuse wrought iron and cast iron for the same material. The fact is, wrought and cast iron are two totally different alloys, each retaining their own set of unique properties and attributes. Above all differences, the main distinction is the manner of manufacturing. As the manufacturing of wrought iron and cast iron materials are only expected to increase in volume, it is important that we responsibly recycle all ferrous materials. If you are wondering whether you can recycle your wrought iron items, you have found the right source of information.

Scroll down to review some pertinent facts about the differences between wrought iron and cast iron, plus how to recycle them both in Central Indiana!

Wrought Iron Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322
Wrought Iron Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

Wrought Iron Versus Cast Iron

Wrought iron is iron metal that has been heated (tempered) and shaped with tools. It contains a composition of elemental iron and small traces of slag (stony by-product of smelting ores). As you would expect, wrought iron is very soft and ductile, and therefore easily formed with tools like mallets, press brakes, drills, hammers, and more.

One of the most revered attributes of wrought iron is its ability to be reheated and reformed over and over again for future applications. While reheating and shaping multiple times would make most metals brittle, it makes wrought iron stronger. Wrought iron is a ferrous metal since it contains iron. Do not be fooled when shopping for wrought iron consumables. Some companies will call their product wrought iron when in fact it’s just painted metal.

Cast Iron is more than just your favorite kitchen skillet or backyard patio chair set. It is iron that has been smelted down to liquid form, then transferred into custom molds to cure (harden). So, while wrought iron is formed (often manually) using tools, cast-iron is formed by curing them in molds. Cast-iron contains less than 4 percent carbon, which is actually more compared to wrought iron metal composition.

Cast iron also contains traces of magnesium and silicon. Sometimes, cast-iron manufacturers will add sulfur and phosphorus to the metal composition for added hardness. Compared to wrought iron, cast iron is brittle and not easily malleable, yet it does have high compression strength.

How to Recycle Wrought Iron in Indianapolis

Fortunately, all metals can be recycled, including wrought iron! Your priority for recycling. Wrought iron should be finding a reputable and responsible scrap metal recycling center in Indianapolis. They have the resources, equipment, and capital to responsibly scrap your iron materials in accordance with all local and state regulations that govern metal recycling. Furthermore, reputable scrappers have the capital to pay you the full and fair amount for your scrap iron recyclables.

Common household items made of wrought iron that can be recycled include:

☐ Gates
☐ Fencing
☐ Patio Furniture
☐ Railing
☐ Chairs
☐ Spindles
☐ Benches
☐ Wall Art
☐ Home Décor
☐ Grills

Are you wondering which scrap metal buyers to choose for the highest payouts and easiest scrap metal recycling process in Indy? Just contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 for the highest standards of professionalism, and the highest payouts for metal recycling in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Related Posts:

Do You Know What Makes Brass and Bronze Different From Each Other?
The Difference Between Wrought Iron and Cast Iron
Distinguishing Between Wrought Iron and Mild Steel

How to Find and Sell Scrap Metal in Your Town

The benefits of scrap metal recycling are astounding. But many people get into the initiative for the lucrative advantages. Many scrap metal recycling centers buy metal and metal items, making metal recycling worthwhile for anyone who likes making easy money. However, not all recycling centers and scrapyards pay for metal recyclables, let alone pay cash, so it is important to choose your buyer wisely.

Continue reading to learn some easy ways to find scrap metal around your town, plus how to choose a trusted scrap metal recycling company in Indianapolis that will pay you cash on the spot.

Community Metal Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322
Community Metal Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

Locating Scrap Metal Around You

There are so many places to find profit-worthy scrap metal around your city. Best of all, these places will just hand it over for free! This means you get to pocket the full value at your local scrap metal recycling complex. Just as a warning, it is not recommended to search through dumpsters unless you have official permission.

Here are some places to inquire about unwanted scrap metal near you:

Construction Sites

Whether residential or commercial, a construction site is a prime source for finding available scrap metal. As you near the site, look for signs that tell you which construction company or contractor is managing the build. Then look up their phone number and ask to speak with someone in charge of site cleanup. Kindly ask the representative if they have any scrap metal items or materials that they would like to get rid of, free of charge. If they agree, simply collect your cargo at the scheduled time. You may also walk into the trailer of a construction site and ask to speak with the manager. However, a construction or renovation site can be a dangerous environment, so it is not generally recommended to take this route.

Businesses and Stores

Another great resource for retrieving free scrap metal is at the local businesses and stores in your community. Many business owners do not want to pay fees associated with debris removal and junk disposal, so they typically jump at the offer to have their scrap taken off their hands for free. Businesses to put at the top of your list include storage rental, hardware stores, animal shelters, shooting ranges, repair shops, warehouses, and factories.

Medical Facilities

Hospitals, urgent care centers, nursing homes, assisted living communities, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and all other medical-related facilities are generally trusted sources for obtaining free scrap metal. There is always something large and metal that needs disposed at a medical center, even smaller items in bulk. Simply contact the center or visit the main office and tell them your objectives.

Craigslist

Online commerce sites like Craigslist can be a useful place to find free scrap metal materials. Many people are on these portals looking for easy ways to get rid of their junk, antiques, and estate sale items. This can be a fruitful way to find various grades of scrap metal to recycle, including precious metals!

Farms

Working farms use a lot of equipment, some of which breaks down or rusts over after some time. By visiting the local farms and ranches in your area, you could potentially find a wide variety of scrap metal items to sell for yourself!

Are you wondering which scrap metal recycling center in Indianapolis will pay you the most cash for your goods? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and metal commodities, including scrap steel and construction scrap.

Related Posts:

Make Room For More Summer Stuff By Recycling These Backyard Items
How to Look for Scrap Metal Around the House
Why You Should Recycle Steel Automotive Parts

5 Types of Bronze Alloys

Bronze is a common metal alloy that we see all around us, in music, manufacturing, electronic technology, construction, art, and more. Many people confuse brass and bronze even though they are different alloys of copper. Although bronze is primarily comprised of copper, but also contains other constituents like aluminum, manganese, tin, and even arsenic. In fact, there are multiple types of bronze alloys.

Continue reading to learn the five types of bronze alloys and what you can do with scrap bronze in Central Indiana.

Bronze Metal Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322
Bronze Metal Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

Common Bronze Alloys

Bronze is a highly useful alloy, so it is no surprise that it is made in different ways for different applications. Although bronze typically contains mostly copper, it can also contain other types of alloys, depending on the type of bronze alloy it is. The top five most common bronze alloys include aluminum bronze, phosphor bronze, silicone bronze, nickel brass, and copper nickel.

Aluminum Bronze

Aluminum bronze is one of the most common types of bronze alloys. This bronze alloy contains between 6% and 12% aluminum. The remaining alloyed constituents include iron and nickel, usually up to 6% of each, and of course copper. Aluminum bronze is strong and has a high resistance to corrosion. It is commonly used to handle materials that are corrosive, such as toxic fluids, and often used in Marine hardware manufacturing.

Phosphor Bronze

Phosphor bronze is also known as tin bronze, and typically contains between 0.5% and 1% tin. As for phosphorus content, phosphor bronze contains a very small amount, typically between 0.01% and 0.35% phosphorous. However, the phosphorus plays an important part in increasing wear resistance and rigidity. Phosphor bronze is highly applicable in construction and manufacturing because it is strong and has a low coefficient of friction. It is also highly resistant to fatigue and fine grained.

Silicone Bronze

Silicone bronze typically contains around 6% silicone and 20% zinc and is used to coat red bronze and red brass. Red bronze typically contains lower concentrations of zinc but is very similar to red brass. Red brass is strong and highly corrosion resistant.

Nickel Brass

Nickel brass is also referred to as nickel silver because the nickel concentration gives the alloy a bright silver-like color. Nickel brass also contains copper and zinc, and therefore has adequate corrosion resistant properties and moderate tensile strength. For this reason, it is commonly used to make musical instruments, optical equipment, food/beverage equipment containers, and similar items.

Copper Nickel

Copper nickel is also called Cupronickel, which can sometimes be confusing to some. Generally containing between 2 percent and 30 percent nickel, Cupronickel is revered for its high resistance to corrosion and oxidation, as well as its incredible tensile strength and resistance to cracking under stress. This makes it perfect for steamy or moist air environments, which is why it is used heavily in marine equipment manufacturing and ship hulls.

Do you find yourself wanting to get rid of a load of scrap metal like bronze? Sell it all to Garden City Iron and Metal for cash on the spot! Contact us at 1-888-586-5322 to get a free quote from a trusted scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all metals, regardless of condition!

Related Posts:

Can I Recycle Brass?
Do You Know What Makes Brass and Bronze Different From Each Other?
Tips for Stripping Copper Wire for Scrap Metal

The Similarities and Differences of Noble and Precious Metals

Most people are familiar with precious metals, especially those who love jewelry or collect coins. However, many people have never heard the term, “noble” metals, which happen to be quite similar, but stand out as their own category of metal. Some people often confuse these two categories since most noble metals are also precious ones.

Continue reading to learn more about precious metals and noble metals, including their similarities and differences.

Precious Metal Buyers Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322
Precious Metal Buyers Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

Precious Metals Versus Noble Metals

Precious Metals

“Precious” metals are rare, naturally-occurring elemental metals that have a high economic value. Throughout history, they were used as currency. Even today, there are still sold and traded as investments, as well as, among private buyers and sellers.

Common examples include gold, platinum, silver, zirconium, palladium, mercury, bismuth, beryllium, germanium, rhodium, cobalt, tungsten, iridium, and osmium. They are often used in jewelry and other ornamental décor since they are extremely corrosion-resistant and acid attack resistant. They are also used for investment purposes, currency, electronics, radiation shielding, thermal insulation, and more.

Noble Metals

Noble metals are a grouping of metals that resist oxidation and corrosion in moist or humid air. Common examples in order of increasing atomic number include ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridium, platinum, and gold. However, there are multiple “lists” for noble metals, as some contain mercury while other may include rhenium. Some lists include gold, silver, and copper, but leave out all others.

Interestingly enough, not all metals that are resistant to corrosion and acid attacks are considered “noble.” For instance, titanium, niobium, and tantalum are all highly resistant to corrosion, yet they are not categorized as noble metals. Although chemists permit a relaxed definition of noble metals, physicists offer a more restrictive definition. According to the science of physics, noble metals are those that have filled electronic d-bands. If you adhere to this definition, only gold, silver and copper are considered noble.

How to Sell Precious Metal

If you have old jewelry, catalytic converters, coin collections, or other versions of valuable metal, you can sell these items to a scrap metal buyer and get paid cash on the spot. Gold, silver, and platinum are currently doing well in the scrap metal market, so take advantage of the current economy and sell your precious metal commodities while their value is still exponential.

Are you wondering which local metal recycling center is the best choice for your high-end, luxury metals? Just contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 for the highest standards of professionalism, and the highest payouts for metal recycling in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Related Posts:

Do You Know What Makes Brass and Bronze Different From Each Other?
The Discerning Attributes of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal
Types of Recyclable Precious Metal and Where to Find Them

What’s the Deal With High Carbon Steel?

High carbon steel has many fascinating and useful properties. Continue below to review some of the most important facts about high carbon steel, including what it is, how we use it, and where to drop it off for recycling near you!

Steel Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322
Steel Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 1-888-586-5322

High Carbon Steel Composition

As you may have wisely guessed it by now, the two primary constituents in high carbon steel are steel and carbon. Carbon steel is steel that contains carbon elements. Depending on how much carbon it has, steel can be labeled low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, and high carbon steel. Low carbon steel contains less than a quarter percent of carbon, while medium carbon steel usually has between 0.25 percent and 0.55 percent carbon. High carbon steel contains even more carbon than that!

Low Carbon Steel = Less Than 0.25% Carbon

Medium Carbon Steel = 0.25% to 0.55% Carbon

High Carbon Steel = 0.55% Carbon or More

Tool Carbon Steel = More Than 0.8% Carbon

Properties of High Carbon Steel

High carbon steel has several useful properties. Not only is it very hard and strong, but it is also resistant to high levels of heat and resistant to wear and tear. Furthermore, it offers moderate ductility, meaning it can be formed and fashioned, even bent or warped, but still not break. After learning these properties of high carbon steel, you can better understand why we use it the way we do!

Applications

The truth is, because the high carbon level in high carbon steel actually makes it quite brittle, it significantly restricts its possible uses. However, this does not mean we do not use plenty of high carbon steel in our society. High carbon steel is used in a wide range of industries and in various fashions. Some of the most common high carbon steel commodities include cast iron items, like gates, plumbing fixtures, art, and furniture. Additional uses include wood stoves, cookware, cutting tools, and masonry nails.

How to Support Steel Sustainability

All forms of steel, and metal for that matter, are 100% recyclable. To help support steel sustainability and preserve our natural resources, be sure to recycle all of your scrap metal, at work and at home. Many reputable metal recycling companies in Indianapolis will pay you for your scrap metal goods!

Do you have left over metal materials or scrap metal to recycle for cash in Indiana? Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal in Indianapolis and make the most profit in town. We accept all metal and metal commodities, especially vehicles!

Related Posts:

Comparing 409, 439, and 430 Stainless Steel Sheet Metal
Distinguishing Between Wrought Iron and Mild Steel
The Basic Types of Steel Metal