Metallic materials have many distinguishing characteristics, including:

- High electrical and thermal conductivity: Metals generally conduct electricity and heat very well. This is due to the free movement of valence electrons within the metal lattice.

- High reflectivity: Metals typically have a shiny, reflective surface because they reflect a large portion of the light that strikes them. This is also a consequence of the free electrons in the metal.

- High density: Metals are generally denser than other materials, such as plastics and wood. This is because metal atoms are closely packed together in a metallic lattice.

- Malleability and ductility: Metals are typically malleable, meaning that they can be deformed under compression without breaking, and ductile, meaning that they can be drawn into thin wires without breaking. These properties are also a result of the strong metallic bonds.

- Sonority: Metals typically produce a ringing sound when struck, due to the strong interatomic bonds and the regular arrangement of atoms in the metal lattice.