How to use
- Choose a metal from the list.
- Read its melting point in °C, °F and K.
How it works
The melting points are for pure metals at standard atmospheric pressure, in degrees Celsius as published in standard reference tables. Several of them (gallium, indium, tin, zinc, aluminum, silver, gold, copper) are fixed points of the International Temperature Scale ITS-90, used to calibrate thermometers. Conversions:
- °F = °C × 9 ÷ 5 + 32;
- K = °C + 273.15.
Melting point chart
| Metal | °C | °F |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury | −38.83 | −37.9 |
| Gallium | 29.76 | 85.6 |
| Potassium | 63.5 | 146.3 |
| Sodium | 97.79 | 208 |
| Indium | 156.6 | 313.9 |
| Lithium | 180.5 | 356.9 |
| Tin | 231.93 | 449.5 |
| Bismuth | 271.4 | 520.5 |
| Cadmium | 321.07 | 609.9 |
| Lead | 327.46 | 621.4 |
| Zinc | 419.53 | 787.2 |
| Antimony | 630.63 | 1,167.1 |
| Magnesium | 650 | 1,202 |
| Aluminum | 660.32 | 1,220.6 |
| Silver | 961.78 | 1,763.2 |
| Gold | 1,064.18 | 1,947.5 |
| Copper | 1,084.62 | 1,984.3 |
| Manganese | 1,246 | 2,274.8 |
| Nickel | 1,455 | 2,651 |
| Cobalt | 1,495 | 2,723 |
| Iron | 1,538 | 2,800.4 |
| Palladium | 1,554.9 | 2,830.8 |
| Titanium | 1,668 | 3,034.4 |
| Platinum | 1,768.3 | 3,214.9 |
| Chromium | 1,907 | 3,464.6 |
| Vanadium | 1,910 | 3,470 |
| Niobium | 2,477 | 4,490.6 |
| Molybdenum | 2,623 | 4,753.4 |
| Tantalum | 3,017 | 5,462.6 |
| Tungsten | 3,422 | 6,191.6 |
Example
Aluminum melts at 660.32 °C:
- 660.32 × 9 ÷ 5 + 32 = 1,220.6 °F;
- 660.32 + 273.15 = 933.47 K.
Tips and common mistakes
- For casting, the pouring temperature is usually well above the melting point so the metal stays fluid in the mould.
- Melting point is not boiling point: zinc and cadmium give off fumes long before they boil. Melt only with good ventilation.
- Impurities and alloying lower the start of melting, so scrap metal may begin to soften below the listed figure.