Is this Antinomy?

[Steve Steven]

I have some metal that I think is antinomy, it has a definite crystal structure to it. It came from a pig of metal, fractures easily.

I remember I had some once, I had problems getting it alloyed with lead as it fumed badly when in the open air. I had to build a closed pot that I could heat with an oxyacetelyene torch and get the lead to melt, then it would melt into the lead. Took red heat to melt it.

Picture of small piece (2x2x2)

[Tdart]

Looks like antimony but could also be bismuth. Mcheck out the product videos on Rotometals to compare.

[Certaindeaf]

It sure looks like antimony. Bismuth will have a visible "stair step" crystal structure..

[bangerjim]

I have some metal that I think is antinomy, it has a definite crystal structure to it. It came from a pig of metal, fractures easily.

I remember I had some once, I had problems getting it alloyed with lead as it fumed badly when in the open air. I had to build a closed pot that I could heat with an oxyacetelyene torch and get the lead to melt, then it would melt into the lead. Took red heat to melt it.

Picture of small piece (2x2x2)

That melt temp sounds like Sb. It has very high melt point (1,167F) and is rather difficult to alloy with lead...at least for most. Brittle and crumbly.



Banger

[Steve Steven]

Thanks, guys. I suspected it was antinomy, you have confirmed it for me. I also just found some of the 50-50 bars I cast many years ago, strange what you find lurking in the back of a storage cabinet!

Steve

[KYCaster]

Kinda looks like Sb.

You don't need high temps to alloy Sb into Pb.

Jerry

[lwknight]

Kinda looks like Sb.

You don't need high temps to alloy Sb into Pb.

Jerry

If you have tin in the mix that is.

[sackot]

If you have tin in the mix that is.

And don't forget a large pinch of patience. Stir it long enough and it'll go in.