History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c15.s2.25

c15.s2.25

A white alloy of nickel and copper was also in use for coinage, jewellery and fancy goods, as the analysis of certain specimens shows. It is identical with the old Chinese alloy, *paitung*, meaning white copper, which was prepared by the smelting of the mixed ores of copper and nickel such as exist in the province of Honan. This alloy was also introduced in India like brass at a quite early date, but appears to have fallen into disuse after the first century B.C.