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Non-ferrous metals are characterized by the absence of iron in their composition, which is significant because it directly relates to their properties. One of the key advantages of non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum, copper, and zinc, is their resistance to corrosion. Unlike ferrous metals, which contain iron and are prone to rusting when exposed to moisture and oxygen, non-ferrous metals do not rust. This makes them ideal for applications in environments where moisture is present.

Their lightweight nature does not necessarily make all non-ferrous metals heavier than ferrous metals, as this can vary; for example, aluminum is significantly lighter than steel, which is a common ferrous metal. Additionally, while some non-ferrous metals, like copper, are excellent conductors of electricity and heat, they are not universally more conductive than all metals, as silver, for instance, has the highest electrical conductivity of any metal. This highlights why the resistance to rusting is a definitive feature of non-ferrous metals.