Heavy metals elements and the more reactive of the d-block elements. They have a strong affinity for oxygen and mostly exist as relatively low density silicate minerals. Chalcophile heavy metals are mainly the less reactive d-block elements, and period 4–6 p-block metals and metalloids. They are usually found in (insoluble) sulfide minerals. Being denser than the lithophiles, hence sinking lower into the crust at the time of its solidification, the chalcophiles tend to be less abundant than the lithophiles. On the other hand, gold is a siderophile, or iron-loving element. It does not readily form compounds with either oxygen or sulfur. At
Interstitial element Interstitial element An interstitial element is an impurity found in "pure" metals or crystals. The quantity of these elements affect the physical properties of the host material. They can be introduced during the manufacturing process. The most common interstitial elements in metals are hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. These elements are small enough to fit between normal crystalline lattice locations. In contrast, those elements that replace locations in the crystalline structure are called substitutional elements. An example of the effects of interstitial elements on metal properties can be found in grade 1–4 titanium. Although the grades 1–4 are considered commercially