West of Maryborough, zinc is contained in a limestone type deposit at Ban Ban. Silver is recovered as a by product in the refining of gold bullion produced in Queensland. It is also found associated with metallic copper, or gold. Metallic zinc has been reported in the basaltic rocks of Victoria, but this is very rare. Small quantities of metallic lead have been found in nature, but since lead oxidises easily, this is very uncommon.
Silver is the best conductor of heat and electricity.
Many silver salts are acted upon by light, and this gives them an important use in photography. Soft enough to be cut with a knife and scratched with a fingernail. It leaves a grey streak when drawn across paper. Lead is toxic, and care must be taken when handling or working with the metal or its compounds. Steel protection uses oxidizing traits.