Is there any metal on earth that doesn't oxidize (rust or tarnish)?

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Is there any metal on earth that doesn't oxidize (rust or tarnish)?

Question #70337. Asked by tjoebigham.
Last updated Feb 02 2022.

Related Trivia Topics: World Sci / Tech

Baloo55th
Answer has 7 votes

Currently Best Answer

Baloo55th
21 year member
4545 replies avatar

Answer has 7 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

Gold, for a start:

http://gold.yabz.com/facts.htm And

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z8kmcj6/revision/1says 'Most metals are oxidized by the oxygen in air', so there must be a few that aren't. And judging by the catalytic reactions involved in mercury oxidation, I would say that mercury is another that doesn't do it by itself.

A few metallic elements are so unreactive they do not react with oxygen in air. (satguru)

Response last updated by satguru on Jun 03 2021.
Sep 01 2006, 1:59 PM

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Answer 1

Baloo55th
Answer has 4 votes

Baloo55th
21 year member
4545 replies avatar

Answer has 4 votes.

Mercury can be found as an oxide, but more usually in the form of HgS - cinnabar. The liquid purified metal doesn't seem to corrode, or it would get scummy looking and solidify. The mercury I've got doesn't show any sign of this.

Sep 01 2006, 2:04 PM

Answer 2

Noble metals are metals that are resistant to corrosion or oxidation, unlike most base metals. They tend to be precious metals, often due to perceived rarity. Examples include gold, silver, tantalum, platinum, and rhodium.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_metals

Is there any metal on earth that doesn't oxidize (rust or tarnish)?

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