Ferrous Metals and Non Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals are those which contain Iron (Fe).  They are alloys of iron.  Eg. Steel, Cast Iron.  These metals are used for their strength, for instance, in bridges and skyscrapers.  Steel is a ferrous metal.  Ferrous metals are generally magnetic.  They can be easily recycled.

Non Ferrous metals are metals or alloys which do not contain iron.  Examples are zinc, aluminium, brass and bronze.  They are used for specific qualities such as electric conductivity, corrosion resistance, etc.