Question

Why are most metals found as ores and not as pure elements?

Answer 1

Answer:

Metals are electron rich species, and as such are good reducing agents. Many metals naturally occur as oxides or sulfide ores. One of the few metals that are not so reactive is gold, which can be found (still) as the pure metal.

Answer 2

Answer:

they get combined with other elements in nature since metals hallways have a state to join and combine with other elements