An attempt to define the long-term (thousands of years) durability of metals based on corrosion as seen on archaeological specimens, outdoor monuments, meteorites, and long-term corrosion studies. The purpose of the study was to assess the stability of metals for use as containers in a repository for nuclear waste. Gold, copper, bronze, lead, iron, tin, silver, and pewter are studied. After a short survey of the history of metal usage and the artifacts that remain, and a section on durability of metals in sea water, the authors construct two charts of corrosion rate data for iron artifacts and for copper alloy artifacts. Mean corrosion rates are approximately 2 mm/Ka (1000 years) and. 5mm/Ka respectively, with a very wide range. Specific sections are also included on weathering of iron meteorites and native metals. While this study is a preliminary effort, and a better understanding of the interaction of metal composition, fabrication techniques, and environmental factors is needed, the authors conclude that, Those who select materials for installations which benefit from or require long-term durability may find some useful insights here. (Abstractor's note: This paper is also very useful to those of us who are responsible for long-term preservation of metal artifacts. It should be noted that the bibliographic references were scrambled in the first printing (January, 1980), and were corrected in the second printing of September, 1980.) -- AATA