For this question, the word 'metals' does not refer to elements [heavier than hydrogen and helium][1]. It instead refers to metals [as defined by the periodic table of elements][2]. After researching the [abundance of chemical elements][3], it is very clear to me that hydrogen and helium (and occasionally oxygen) far outrank all of the other elements. In terms of mass fraction in the Milky Way: Hydrogen = 73.9% Helium = 24.0% Oxygen = 1.04% **Which equals 98.94%** The following table shows the cosmological origin of each element: [![enter image description here][4]][4] In the scope of the universe: ## Just how likely or unlikely to form is a planet composed almost entirely of metals? For this question, let's define "composed almost entirely of metals" as: - Elemental composition by _volume_, not mass: More than 90% total by volume. - Metals are defined in this question as belonging to either the [transition metals][5] or the [post-transition metals][6] groups. - All other elements are not considered metals for this question. This include the [alkali metals][7], the [alkaline earth metals][8], or the [metalloids][9] groups. Now, iron is the biggest contender here in terms of metals due to its abundance. But let's not forget about all of the others! [(here's a question involving a planet made of iron)][10]. I would love to further ask what the chance of life forming on such a planet would be, but of course that would make this question [too broad][11]. [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallicity [2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal [3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abundance_of_the_chemical_elements [4]: https://i.sstatic.net/AZ54h.jpg [5]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transition_metal [6]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-transition_metal [7]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkali_metal [8]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_earth_metal [9]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metalloid [10]: https://worldbuilding.stackexchange.com/questions/27277/a-planet-made-of-iron [11]: https://worldbuilding.stackexchange.com/help/on-topic