Return to periodic table H' at. The alchemists believed lead to be the oldest metal and associated it with the planet Saturn.
Native lead occurs in nature, but it is rare.
Lead is a bluish-white metal of bright luster, very soft, highly malleable, is ductile and a poor conductor of electricity. It is used as containers for cor- rosive liquids, such as in sulfuric acid chambers, and it may be toughened by the addition of a small percentage of antimony or other metals. Its alloys include solder, type metal, and various anti- friction metals. Great quantities of lead, both as the metal and as the dioxide, are used in storage batteries. The nitrate and the acetate are soluble salts.