What makes a metal precious? It’s rare, and it’s useful. When a metal is both these things, like gold, it’s very precious–and expensive. This book takes readers underground where they’ll discover the processes and elements that shape precious metals. They’ll learn about the features of metals that make them desirable, such as luster, ductility, and reactivity, and how certain metals are utilized. While readers may know something about gold and silver, they’ll become acquainted with other important precious metals such as rhodium and palladium. Vivid photographs, helpful graphic organizers, and interesting sidebars make this crucial science topic engaging and accessible.