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The Alloys of Aluminum

We have to distinguish between alloys in which States into imitation jewelry and other artithe aluminum predominates and such ones in cles, scarcely distinguishable from gold, exwhich the other metals outweigh the latter. cept by the inferior gravity; and it is a mat- Those impart to the aluminum new proper- ter of surprise to almost any one to learn that ties. Iron and copper do not act injuriously it does not contain a single grain of the preif the admixture is not considerable. In re-cious metal. It is made by taking 100 parts of gard to toughness, the union of 7 per cent. of pure copper, 17 of pure tin, 6 of magnesia, 9 iron can scarcely be distinguished from pure of tartar of commerce, 3.6 of sal-ammoniac, aluminum. Both metals easily combine with and 1.6 of unslacked lime. The copper is first each other. Commercial aluminum mostly melted, and the other substances (excepting contains iron; it remains ductile with as the tin) added, a little at a time, and the much as 10 per cent. of copper, and when whole well stirred for 30 minutes, so as to containing only half as much, it may be produce a perfect mixture, when the tin is thrown in and stirred round until melted. than the mould-metal mentioned in the pre- The crucible is then covered, and the fusion ceding receipt, from a matrix of which a die kept up for 25 minutes, and the scum taken may be taken by it with safety. It affords, off, when the substance is ready for use. It in sand, a perfect die, does not shrink, and, is malleable and ductile, and can be worked whether poured into a sand or metal mould, in any form, even into leaves like gold. The comes out with a smooth, bright face. It is alloy may also be made by substituting granulated zinc for tin, but it will not retain its brilliancy so long as when tin is employed.