What is german silver?

German silver, also known as nickel silver, is an alloy composed of copper, zinc, and nickel. Despite its name, German silver does not contain any silver and was developed in Germany during the 19th century as a substitute for silver.

German silver has a silver-colored appearance and is often used in the manufacture of silverware, jewelry, and musical instruments. It is also commonly used in electrical and mechanical engineering due to its resistance to corrosion, high melting point, and low coefficient of thermal expansion.

However, German silver does have some disadvantages, such as its susceptibility to tarnishing and its tendency to be brittle. It also contains nickel, which can cause skin irritation in some people who are allergic to the metal.