Ferrous metal
About ferrous
Ferrous metals contain iron, and are known for their strength. Think steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron. Ferrous metals are used in both industrial fabrication and architectural, such as skyscrapers, bridges, vehicles, and railroads. Thanks to their magnetic properties, ferrous metals are also used in appliances and engines.
Ferrous metals also have a high carbon content, which generally makes them prone to rust. The exceptions are stainless steel, because of chromium, and wrought iron because of its high pure iron content.
Example of Ferrous Metal
Steel: Iron plus carbon; widely used in construction and industrial metal fabrication
Carbon steel: Even higher carbon content added to iron; exceptionally hard metal
Stainless steel: An alloy steel made with added chromium which protects against rust
Other alloy steels: Lightweight metals such as chromium, nickel, titanium added to strengthen other metals without adding weight
Cast iron: Iron, carbon, silicon; heavy, hard metal that is resistant to wear