Beyond Earth
This metal, the lightest structural metal, is used in spacecraft due to its strength-to-weight ratio.
Magnesium
Stainless steel, used in exhaust systems, gets its corrosion resistance from this element.
Chromium
The silicon in your computer chips is extracted from this common mineral.
Quartz
This Wakandan metal, used in Captain America's shield and Black Panther's suit, is known for absorbing vibrations.
Vibranium
Scientists have found that the Moon’s surface contains small traces of this precious metal, but mining it would not yet be cost-effective.
Gold
This surface hardening technique, used in gears and camshafts, involves diffusing carbon or nitrogen into the metal surface.
Carburizing or nitriding
Found in high-end watches and luxury electronics, this metal is one of the densest and most corrosion-resistant in the world.
Tungsten
Star Wars' lightsabers would theoretically require this high-energy state of matter, also found in lightning and stars.
Plasma
Some lunar meteorites contain traces of this radioactive element, which is also used in spacecraft power systems.
Uranium
Formula 1 cars use alloys of this high-strength metal, also found in spacecraft, for suspension and chassis components.
Magnesium and its alloys
High-end gaming keyboards use switches coated with this low-friction metal, giving them an ultra-smooth feel.
Silver (2X)
The Iron Man suit’s arc reactor would require a real-world version of this element, which is a key component of nuclear batteries.
Plutonium
The Moon has high amounts of titanium ore, commonly found in this dark-coloured volcanic rock.
Basalt
This welding technique, commonly used in car assembly, joins metal sheets together using electric resistance.
Spot welding
This shape-memory alloy, used in smart eyeglass frames, can "remember" its original form when heated.
Nitinol (Nickel-Titanium)
Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir, is said to be made from this dwarven metal, forged in the heart of a dying star.
Uru
The Moon has traces of this nuclear fusion fuel, which scientists hope to one day mine for energy production.
Helium
Some modern luxury cars use self-healing coatings, which contain this type of material that can repair minor scratches.
Polymer nanocapsules
The PS5 and Xbox Series X use this metal as part of their fluid metal cooling system for efficient heat dissipation.
Gallium
The Mandalorian’s armor is made from this nearly indestructible metal, capable of deflecting blaster shots and lightsaber strikes.
Beskar