Weird “Pewter” type alloy

[CPC24]

I’ve been finding pewter at Goodwill, and have scored quite a bit lately. However, I found this one Christmas ornament that melted down into a gray lump that was definitely not tin or pewter. I tested it with muriatic acid, and it didn’t fizz at all, so no zinc. Could it be antimony? It’s very brittle with large crystals, but scratches like lead.

[Mitch]

Only Testing will be a sure thing.It could be anything

[CPC24]

It’s probably a high antimony lead alloy. I’ll just throw it in the pot next time.

[dbosman]

It could be aluminum and zinc, which doesn't fizz.

[CPC24]

I didn’t know that, thanks. It melted at a lower temperature than pure aluminum. I’ll keep it out of the melt, then. It’s not enough to save. I just did a big WW melt so I’m in no hurry.

[jsizemore]

What was it's melt temp?

[CPC24]

I used a torch, so I’m not sure. It was higher than lead, but not much higher. It has the crystal structure like antimony, short and spiky. Tin usually makes longer leaf-shaped crystals.

[redhawk0]

There are some pieces that aren't worth risking the whole batch for. Just leave out any "questionable" pieces. For me...it has to have a hallmark or specifically say Pewter on it.

redhawk

[jsizemore]

I used a torch, so I’m not sure. It was higher than lead, but not much higher. It has the crystal structure like antimony, short and spiky. Tin usually makes longer leaf-shaped crystals.

MAPP and propane torch are around 3600degF

[CPC24]

It’s not a priority; I found lots of cheap pewter over Christmas. I even found a pair of sterling candlesticks mixed in with the 99-cent plated ones! Those aren’t going into the melt... :D