Tis forTin

Tin is one of the metals known for the longest to man. It is one of the main components of bronze, which revolutionised civilisation as bronze was harder and easier to work with than copper. Tin is smelted in a similar way to iron, by reducing it with coal. Tin is soft at room temperature and above but becomes brittle at low temperatures because it becomes crystalline as it cools. Tin is very stable and doesn't tarnish or rust like other metals. Today tin is used mainly as an alloy with other metals, and to coat other metals to stop them from rusting. Tin is used to line tin cans, which are actually made of steel.