Native metal is a term that refers to naturally occurring metals that have not been subjected to any mineral processing. Synonyms for native metal include primary metal, unalloyed metal, and elemental metal. Other terms used to describe native metals are free metals, pure metals, and simply, metals in their natural state. Common examples of native metals include copper, silver, gold, platinum, and iron. Native metals are different from metal alloys, which are formed when two or more metals are combined. While native metals can be found in pure form, metal alloys are man-made and require processing to form. Overall, native metal is a crucial component of many commercial applications, ranging from jewelry-making to electrical engineering.