Occurrence of Elements

Elements occur in nature in two states; Native State and Combined State.

1. NATIVE STATE   

The Elements are said to be in native state if they are found in their elementary form. Generally, less active elements are found in Native State. Oxygen, nitrogen, noble gases are some non – metals which occur in native state with the common examples of metals are gold, silver, copper, platinum etc.

2. COMBINED STATE   

The elements are said to occur in the Combined State if they are found in nature in the form of their compounds. Generally the reactive elements occur in the form of their compounds. For Example, the reactive metals are found in the form of their oxides, carbonates, Sulphide and silicates etc.