The only two metals used by humans before copper were gold and meteoric iron. Copper is believed to have been in use since ancient times over 10,000 years ago.
Most metals however are not attracted to magnets, these include copper, silver, gold, magnesium, platinum, aluminium and more. They may however magnetize a small amount while placed in a magnetic field.
During the 1970s, lightweight, strong metals like aluminum and titanium, replaced wood and steel as popular for use in the production of certain sports gear.
Alkali metals such as sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium and francium are extremely reactive elements, just putting them in water can result in an explosion! They are carefully stored in oil to prevent this happening.
