These elements, which are harder and more dense than the alkali metals, also have higher melting points and boiling points. They are highly reactive, but not as active as the alkali metals. Like the alkali metals, the alkaline metals are never found free in nature. The alkaline earth metals have two electrons in their outermost energy level, so they also form positive ions. Transition Metals have properties similiar to one another and to other metals, but their properties do not fit in with those of any other family.
Most transition metals are excellent conductors of heat and electricity.
Most have high melting points and are hard. Transition metals are much less active than the alkali and alkaline earth metals. Many transition metals combine chemically with oxygen to form compounds called oxides. Many transition metals have more than one oxidation number. Transition metals form compounds that are brightly colored.