Of course you can ask yourself, why does the table have this odd form, instead of a simple order of sequence. In this case, the properties of the various elements, were taken into consideration quite early on. In fact, so well considered, that later discovered elements, could simply be slotted in. Perhaps this could be best explained by using the metals (shown in red), which make up approx. 70 percent of the elements. They are probably all shiny and malleable, indeed, some have a violent reaction with water. These are arranged in the left column.

In the middle of the table, the metals which have a less drastic reaction are listed. The heat and particularly the conductivity attributed to them decreases to the right hand side. The description actually originates more from the inter-action between the atoms than the free-flow of conductivity of the electrons. Thus, the description 'metal' designates the type of bonding.

Here we also have a few more elements, marked in yellow, which do not quite classify as metals. They are known as semi-conductors. Their importance has increased enormously in the last 50 years.

In this table, the light-metals are emphasised. This description is for all metals having a density of less than 5 kg/dm³ oder 5 g/cm³. It's interesting, that the heaviest of the light-metals, Titanium, with a density of 4,5 g/cm³, is found almost in middle block. 03/13

Strategic metals - English language