Jewelry Than The Unalloyed Titanium?

Q: My question now is: Why is this alloy better suited for body jewelry than the unalloyed titanium? Is it easier to work with? Does it have a wider range of colors when it's anodized? The last time I priced titanium it was less expensive that niobium, so I'm guessing it's not the price... Also- I had heard somewhere that aluminum was a Bad Thing (something about Alzheimer's) does alloying it with titanium make it safe?

A: The alloy makes it meet the ASTM specification for medical grades of Ti that are used in implants. It means 6 parts aluminum/ 4 parts vanadium. The materials are bonded together at a molecular level and can not be separated.It's not that it colors better (but it does). It actually is harder to machine..... what is important is that it is implant grade. Note: the FAQ needs to be updated to say 6AL4V ELI (the "ELI" means "tightly packed crystal structure") Usually the least expensive material is 314 stainless steel. Most people are just fine with that, it does contain nickel though, so if you know you have a problem with nickel use niobium or titanium. Both niobium and titanium are elements (rather than alloys, like the 314ss) and people rarely develop allergies to either (although it happens).

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