Nickel silver

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Pocahontas carving on neck of S S Stewart Presentation Banjo, 1894, sn 15667, at the American Banjo Museum

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Nickel silver, also known as German silver, new silver, Argentan, paktong, and other names, is a copper alloy with nickel and often zinc. The usual formulation is 60% copper, 20% nickel and 20% zinc. Nickel silver is named for its silvery appearance, but it contains no elemental silver unless plated. The name "German silver" refers to its development by 19th-century German metalworkers from the Chinese alloy known as paktong (白銅). All modern, commercially important nickel silver alloys contain significant amounts of zinc, and are sometimes considered a subset of brass.

History

Nickel silver was first known and used in China. During the Qing dynasty, it was "smuggled" into various parts of East Asia. Despite its name, nickel silver did not become popular in the West due to the presence of silver but rather through the efforts to replicate or replace silver with a less expensive material. The alloy made its way to Europe in the 18th century. The German metallurgists in the 19th century were credited with its development and its naming as "German silver".

Composition and Properties

Nickel silver is known for its hardness, toughness, and resistance to corrosion, which makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. Its composition is typically 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc, but can vary to include other metals such as lead for machinability. The presence of nickel gives the alloy its characteristic silver color, as well as enhancing its corrosion resistance. Unlike sterling silver, nickel silver does not tarnish as easily, making it an attractive option for items that require low maintenance.

Applications

Nickel silver is used in various applications where a strong, corrosion-resistant material is needed that can retain a lustrous appearance. It is widely used in the production of musical instruments, particularly in the making of brass instruments and parts like keys for woodwind instruments, due to its workability and durability. It is also used in the manufacture of cutlery, jewelry, and for electrical contacts and connectors because of its good conductivity and resistance to corrosion. Additionally, nickel silver is employed in the creation of coins and medals, as well as in model railroading for track and other components.

Health and Safety

While nickel silver is valuable for its aesthetic and physical properties, it is important to note that nickel is a known allergen. Prolonged exposure to nickel-containing alloys can lead to nickel allergy, characterized by skin irritation and dermatitis. Therefore, handling of nickel silver, especially in jewelry, should be done with care, particularly for individuals with known sensitivities to nickel.

Environmental Impact

The production and processing of nickel silver, like that of many metals, can have environmental impacts, including the emission of greenhouse gases and the use of significant amounts of water and energy. Recycling nickel silver can mitigate some of these impacts, as it requires less energy than producing the alloy from raw materials.

See Also

• Copper alloys
• Brass
• Sterling silver
• Metal allergy