Ferrous metals contain iron as their primary constituent. The word ferrous comes from the Latin ferrum, meaning iron. This Latin word also gives us the chemical symbol for iron on the periodic table – Fe. The iron base provides ferrous metals with properties that include magnetism and exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity. When carbon is added to iron, steel is produced. While pure iron is highly brittle, the addition of carbon makes steel incredibly strong, durable, and malleable, significantly increasing the usefulness of steel as a building material that can be formed into a wide variety of shapes and forms. Other elements (including chromium, cobalt, nickel, and others) can be added in the steelmaking process to create alloy steels with properties that are ideal for specific applications or uses. Iron and steel are the most commonly used metals in the world and are especially vital in industries including construction, automotive, shipbuilding, and other manufacturing processes. Ferrous metals are also by far the most widely recycled material worldwide. Nonferrous metals are known for unique properties that can include high electrical and thermal conductivity, non-magnetism, corrosion resistance, and malleability. They are widely used in various industries such as electronics, construction, transportation, and jewelry. Compared to ferrous metals, nonferrous metals are generally more expensive but offer superior performance in specific applications where their unique characteristics are advantageous. Check out the video of our magnet crane loading scrap iron on theReserve Ironpage.