The element has a metallic, bright silver luster. It is relatively stable in air at room temperature, and is readily attacked and dissolved by dilute and concentrated mineral acids, to evolve hydrogen. The metal is soft enough to be cut with a knife and can be machined without sparking if overheating is avoided.
Melting point: 1413 °C Boiling point: 2567 °C
A foil is a thin sheet of pure metal. Given its fragile nature, some foils have protective coatings.