Nickel silver is a copper alloy that contains nickel and often zinc. It is named for its silvery appearance, which can make it attractive as a cheaper and more durable substitute for silver. However, it does not contain any actual silver. The usual formulation is 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc. The composition of nickel silver can vary depending on the smelting process, which can affect the percentages of the metals included in the formula. Nickel silver is widely used in various industries, including cutlery manufacturing, jewelry, giftware, telecommunications, and musical instruments. It is also used for making springs, keys, and lock cylinder pins for durability under heavy use. Nickel silver produces a bright and powerful sound quality, which makes it suitable for wind instruments such as clarinets, flutes, and oboes. It is also preferred for the track in electric model railway layouts, as its oxide is conductive. Nickel silver is not worth anything to precious metal refiners because it does not contain any actual silver.