With the help of metals, humankind has established and ever-progressing position in the world and, in the process, has transformed human civilization and the face of the Earth itself. Furthermore, the harmony and effectiveness of many human bodily processes depend on the marvelous effects of metals. With each passing decade, researchers bring us knowledge of new facets of the cosmos of metals in and around us. Nonetheless, despite all the achievements of chemists and physicists, the world of metals holds many mysteries.

In the surrounding world, we continually encounter new...