I finally found someone local with a handheld X-ray spectroscope, he was kind enough to check my scrap zinc ingot, the mystery metal (lead) that separated from the molten zinc over a couple of hours and my pewter ingot. The zinc had 1% iron which is bad for recasting sacrificial anodes as iron can passivate the zinc and prevent it from working. The lead sample had 1% zinc in it which is not surprising and the pewter ingot cast from multiple items has copper, antimony, a small amount of lead and bismuth too. If it had a few percent more copper and antimony it would be 11R white metal or Babbitt bearing metal suitable for things like prop shaft bearings. If I was making bronze, antimony is not desirable but it would still be well within maximum allowable limits. 3Kg Pewter ingot: Recycled scrap zinc ingot: Mystery metal from the bottom of the crucible after a few hours of melting zinc scrap:
How did you find/locate this person? I have a fair bit of mystery bronze I'd like to have checked out before I use it again. Thanks!
