

Treasures of the Earth: Metals
Season 43 Episode 19 | 53m 40sVideo has Closed Captions
What is it about the nature of metals that have made them a pillar of human civilization?
The enduring luster of gold, the conductivity of copper, the strength of steel—the special properties of metals have reshaped societies and defined eras; they have such an important role in human history that entire ages have been named after them. But what gives metals their astounding characteristics?
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.

Treasures of the Earth: Metals
Season 43 Episode 19 | 53m 40sVideo has Closed Captions
The enduring luster of gold, the conductivity of copper, the strength of steel—the special properties of metals have reshaped societies and defined eras; they have such an important role in human history that entire ages have been named after them. But what gives metals their astounding characteristics?
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Clip: S43 Ep19 | 2m 34s | Could pieces of plastic garbage become the resource we need to construct buildings? (2m 34s)
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National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.