What are the constituents of the alloy called German Silver?

German Silver, also known as nickel silver, is not actually silver but rather a metal alloy that resembles silver in appearance. It typically consists of the following constituents:

Copper (Cu): German Silver primarily contains copper, making up the bulk of the alloy composition. Copper provides the alloy with its base strength and malleability.

Nickel (Ni): Nickel is added to the alloy to improve its corrosion resistance and to give it a silvery-white color. It is the nickel content that gives German Silver its name, even though it doesn't contain silver.

Zinc (Zn): Zinc is another important component of German Silver. It helps to improve the alloy's workability and casting properties.

In addition to these main constituents, German Silver may also contain small amounts of other elements like iron, manganese, and sometimes trace elements like lead or cadmium, depending on the specific alloy composition. The proportions of copper, nickel, and zinc can vary to create different grades of German Silver with varying properties.