Metals are arranged into two groups:

Ferrous metals-

metals that contain iron and carbon. These metals will rust. (oxegenize)

Non ferrous metals-

Metals that do not contain iron. These metals do not rust.Ferrous metals:

Mild steel: Quite string and cheap but rusts easily and can't be hardened or tempered.

High carbon steel:

Harder than mild steel and can be hardened.Cast iron: Hard however brittle under impact.

Aluminium:

Lightweight and corosion resistant. Exspensive and not nearly as strong as steel.

Brass-

quite strong, corosion resistant maileable, ductile and looks good.

Copper-

Relatively soft malleable and ductile and a very good conductor of electricity.Most metals come from ores.