
The metal’s primary characteristic is its hard, silver-white and shiny surface. Nickel is considered a transition metal and is included in the group of iron metals along with iron and cobalt.
Nickel is resistant to oxidation and is used in coins, for example. The first coin of pure nickel was manufactured in 1881. Today, many coins are nickel-free and the new Swedish one crown and two crown coins have a steel core plated with a thin film of copper.
Nickel is magnetic and is used primarily in alloys with other metals. Nickel belongs to the group of ferromagnetic elements. As you probably know, nickel can cause allergies. Nickel allergies cannot be cured, and the only method of prevention is to avoid body contact with the metal.
Most of the nickel consumed in the Western world is used to produce stainless steel. Examples of applications include bullet-proof panels, safes and vaults. The metal is also used in magnets, batteries, guitar strings, boat propellers and in the chemicals industry.