In the space program, gold's ability to reflect infrared radiation helps shield astronauts, sensitive electronic equipment, circuitry, and protect the tether that secures astronauts on spacewalks. The fineness of jewelry gold is stated as the number of parts in twenty-four that are gold. Galvanizing is the process of dipping steel in molten zinc to prevent rusting. Until 1886, aluminum was considered a rare metal and a chemical curiosity. Researchers in the U.S. and France independently discovered the continuous electrolytic reduction process which is used to make aluminum metal from the aluminum ore, bauxite.
Pewter can be a variety of alloys.
Other metals that have been used in pewter include lead, bismuth, and zinc. Vermiculite, mica-like minerals that expand or exfoliate when heated to between 1,400 and 2,000 degrees, expand due to the expansion of water as it changes to steam between the layers.