Melchior: German Silver
Melchior is an alloy of copper and nickel that provides both strength and corrosion resistance, with a silver luster. Often called German silver, Melchior is a popular choice in Eastern Europe and Russia, where artisans use it for cutlery, coins, and decorative objects due to its affordability and aesthetic appeal.
Though it is popular in some locations, it is not widely used or known in the West, leading to uncertainty about what melchior actually is. This article will discuss everything there is to know about melchior: from how to pronounce it, its origin, uses, and how to care for it.
How to Pronounce Melchior:
Depending on the language and regional dialect, Melchior may be pronounced differently. However, in English, the most accepted pronunciation is:
Emphasize the first syllable, with a soft “k” sound in the middle and a slightly elongated “or” at the end.
Some variations of the pronunciation exist, though they are less common and incorrect in reference to the metal. These include “MEL-shur” or “MEL-kee-er”.
What is Melchior?
Melchior is an alloy, or a combination of metals, composed of copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni). The typical ratio for this alloy is around 70-80% copper and 20-30% nickel, but varies depending on its intended use. It is not uncommon for metal workers to add trace amounts of iron, manganese, or tin to enhance specific properties of the alloy.
Though it is often called “German silver”, it actually contains no silver at all. The moniker comes from its appearance, which closely mimics silver, while the cost of melchior is much lower than that of the real thing. Due to this affordability and aesthetic, it is an attractive alternative to actual silver in household items, decorative pieces, and coins.
Melchior vs Sterling:
Sterling silver is a precious metal alloy (usually 92.5% silver). Melchior does NOT contain any precious metal; its value lies in its durability and silver-like appearance, not its metal content.
Origins and History
Two French inventors, Maillot and Chorier, are credited with refining the composition of Melchior, whose name combines to form “Melchior” or “maillechort” in French. In the 19th century, they sought to replicate silver’s appearance while offering a less expensive, more durable, and tarnish-resistant metal.
While the idea of combining copper and nickel was nothing new at the time, the new alloy became widely adopted in Russia and Eastern Europe in the late 1800s and early 1900s, finding use in coins, military buttons, and cutlery. People loved the silver appearance and the durability Melchior provided.
Because the new alloy was resistant to corrosion from saltwater, it is often used in fittings and equipment in maritime applications. As time went on, people began using it to create jewelry, wind instruments, and decorative art.
Properties & Characteristics of Melchior Metal
Composition & microstructure
Melchior is mainly made of copper (about 70-80%) and nickel (about 20-30%), with tiny amounts of iron and manganese added to strengthen and improve durability.
Because the two elements combine effortlessly, whether melted or solid, the Melchior alloy yields a smooth, uniform structure. These characteristics make it easy to shape and maintain a consistent appearance throughout, making it popular for both decorative and practical uses.
Color & appearance
Though it does not actually contain any silver, Melchior looks just as lustrous and has the same silver-gray hue due to its nickel content. This similarity to silver is why some call it “German silver”.
Corrosion & wear resistance
One of its most sought-after properties is Melchior’s excellent corrosion resistance, especially in air, fresh water, and seawater. This resistance makes it a popular choice for harsh environments such as marine applications.
In seawater, this alloy forms a “complex, multi-layered film made up of oxides, chlorides, and hydroxy-chlorides. This film forms quickly and improves over time.” – Amar Deep Steel
Workability & uses
Melchior is highly formable and can be worked in both hot and cold conditions, making embossing, engraving, stamping, soldering, polishing, and other artistic work easier for craftsmen.
Its melting point is higher than that of silver, as well. Because of this, as well as the ease with which artisans can craft Melchior, it is often used in cutlery applications.
Common Uses of Melchior
Melchior’s combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and silver appearance makes it a versatile material across several industries. Some of its most common applications include:
- Cutlery & Tableware – Certain regions favor Melchior’s use in flatware and serving utensils due to its ability to resist tarnish, withstand repeated handling, and polish to a bright, silver-like sheen.
- Coins & Metals – Because it is highly malleable and durable, Melcihor is ideal for commemorative medals and low-circulation coins such as the Kazakhstan 200 Tenge and the Kyrgyzstan 5 Som.
- Jewelry & Costume Accessories – Melchior is the perfect alloy for use in affordable jewelry, watch cases, belt buckles, and decorative pins.
- Marine & Industrial Equipment – The alloy’s resistance to saltwater corrosion makes it the ideal metal for many marine components.
- Artistic & Decorative Work – Artisans and metalworkers like Melchior for engraving, embossing, and repoussé due to its excellent formability and color consistency.
How to Clean Melchior Metal
Although it is corrosion-resistant, Melchior may still oxidize due to its copper content. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to clean and restore it to its original, silvery shine.
- Routine Cleaning: For everyday buildup, such as fingerprints or light tarnish, mix a few drops of a mild dish soap with warm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently rub the surface with soapy water. Rinse and immediately dry. Do not use abrasive cloths or brushes; they may scratch the surface and dull the finish.
- Removing Tarnish: For Melchior with deeper discoloration, use a baking soda and water paste with a microfiber cloth to gently rub the surface. Rinse and dry.
- Long-Term Care Tips: Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, especially saltwater, which can encourage a protective layer to form on the alloy—store items in a dry place with a cloth or felt lining. For jewelry or cutlery used frequently, wipe the metal down after each use to prevent tarnish buildup.
Is Melchior Valuable?
While Melchior isn’t a precious metal like gold, silver, or platinum, people value it for its functionality and aesthetic properties.
The base metal value is relatively low because it combines copper and nickel. (As of 2025, copper trades at roughly $4/lb and nickel around $8-9/lb.) A typical Melchior item may contain only a few grams of metal, making its scrap value minimal.
That said, some Melchior items may still hold value due to a few factors:
- Craftsmanship (e.g., Soviet-era or antique items)
- Artistic or collectible significance
- Functionality in specific industries, such as marine or electrical applications
While it won’t yield much due to its scrap value, Melchior has practical applications that make this cost-effective material valuable in other ways.
Final Thoughts on Melchior Metal
Though many mistake Melchior for silver, it needs no comparison, as it stands on its own merits. Its resilience, beauty, and rich historical use in both art and industry make it a metal worthy of appreciation in its own right. Melchior is the perfect combination of beauty and braun, featuring both a beautiful luster and durability that other metals lack. With proper care, it can last for generations, making it a practical and charming alloy worth appreciating.
