an alloy
An alloy is a mixture of a metal with one or more other elements. The other elements may be metals, nonmetals, or both. An alloy is formed by melting a metal and dissolving the other elements in it. The molten solution is then allowed to cool and harden. Alloys generally have more useful properties than pure metals. Several examples of alloys are described and pictured below. You can learn about another alloythe amazing alloy called memory wireat the following URL. If you have braces on your teeth, you might even have this alloy in your mouth!.