Metals and non-metals are two types of elements that show contrasting properties.

Metals:

1. Metals are usually solid at room temperature (except mercury).

2. They are good conductors of heat and electricity.

3. Metals are malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets) and ductile (can be drawn into wires).

4. They have a shiny appearance, or luster.

5. Metals tend to lose electrons and form positive ions (cations).

Non-metals:

1. Non-metals can be solid, liquid, or gas at room temperature.

2. They are poor conductors of heat and electricity.

3. Non-metals are not malleable or ductile; they are brittle.

4. They do not have a shiny appearance.

5. Non-metals tend to gain electrons and form negative ions (anions). Metalloids: 

There are also elements called metalloids that have properties in between metals and non-metals. Examples include silicon and germanium.