Zinc alloy (pot metal)
On the label: Zinc alloy · Metal
What it is
Cast zinc with aluminum, copper or magnesium, the base metal of most inexpensive fashion jewelry under its plating. Light, easy to cast, cannot be repaired by soldering.
Metals: Solid metals: what the piece is made of all the way through. Purity is written as karat (gold) or parts per thousand (925 silver, 950 platinum).
Wikidata: Alloy with zinc as main component. Q204835 →
In the research
4 PubMed papers mention it with jewelry, allergy, eyewear or UV; the three most recent:
- Ayurveda intervention for brass-induced heavy metal toxicity: A report from the single-arm pilot study · Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 2021
- Photocatalytic activity of micron-scale brass on emerging pollutant degradation in water: mechanism elucidation and removal efficacy assessment · RSC advances, 2020
- Novel zinc alloys for biodegradable surgical staples · World journal of clinical cases, 2020
A paper is a paper, not a verdict: titles are listed so you can read them, and a study on one fabric or one filter says little about the piece in your hand.
Pieces whose listing names it
9 on the siteMatched from the words in the supplier's listing; the full material line is on each product page.
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Other metals
Clasp & Lens describes materials from the public record and does not appraise, grade or test pieces; what a listing states is the supplier's statement. If a piece causes a rash, take it off; a reaction that spreads or blisters is a doctor's question, and sunglasses are no substitute for impact-rated eye protection where that is required.