Metallurgy

Field of science that studies the physical and chemical behavior of metals

Metallurgy is a domain of material science and engineering that studies the physical and chemical behavior of metallic elements, their inter-metallic compounds, and their mixtures, which are known as alloys. Metallurgy encompasses both the science and the technology of metals, including their production and the engineering of metal components used in products for both consumers and manufacturers. Metallurgy is distinct from the craft of metalworking by providing it with a scientific foundation, much as medical science supports the practice of medicine.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA. More on occurri.