When it comes to Christmas, we often think of the food, presents and celebrations, but have you ever considered how metals and minerals play a crucial part in the festive period? 

Many everyday metals and minerals contribute to the Christmas festivities. Read on to discover their role in making your holidays merry and bright!

HOLIDAY LIGHTS ✨

Over the years, Tungsten filament has been used to produce Christmas lights. 

The material has been favourable in producing Christmas lights due to its many desirable properties including its high melting point, its ability to transfer heat generated by the electric current and its inexpensive. These days, Tungsten is less desirable due to the rise of LED lighting, which is safer and more accessible.

Did you know that copper wire is used to produce many of our Christmas lights? 

The material has often been preferable as it is both pliable, allowing for the copper to be bent into different shapes and designs,  and a good conductor of heat.  The material is a good conductor of electricity, making it a cost-effective and resourceful option. 

SPARKLING DECORATIONS 🎄

The baubles on our Christmas trees are bright and colourful, but do you know which minerals are used to give them their vibrancy? 

Silica sand is often used in the production of baubles to provide their eye-catching colours and patterns. In addition, Mica, a mix of aluminium and potassium, is also utilised to enhance colour and add shimmer to decorations whilst providing durability, meaning our favourite decorations can be used for years to come.

JEWELLERY AND GIFTS 📿

From earrings and necklaces, to bracelets and watches, jewellery is a popular choice when it comes to buying Christmas presents. 

When selecting jewellery, we often focus on colour and clarity. But how often do we consider the unique properties of metals like silver and gold?

Often gold and silver are chosen because they are highly lustrous, meaning they reflect light well, their malleability, meaning they are easy to mould into different shapes and designs, and their durability, meaning the gifts you give will withstand the test of time. 

ALFRED H KNIGHT’S PART IN THE METALS AND MINERALS INDUSTRY 

With over 140 years of experience in the inspection and analysis of metals and minerals, we help organisations around the world determine the chemical composition and commercial quality of their materials, meaning they can trade with confidence. 

To find out more information about our suite of services, get in touch with one of our experts here.