Field's Metal

This remarkable alloy melts at just 61°C but, unlike the most familiar low melting point alloys, does not contain lead or cadmium. It is a relatively hard and extremely tough alloy that has a wide variety of scientific and manufacturing applications. It is used for example to fill small tubes for bending without crushing, casting for models and jewellery, and for making precision moulds. Although relatively expensive because it contains the rare element indium, Field's metal makes a fantastic demonstration of how several constituents, each with much higher melting point, can be combined to produce fusible alloy.
Note: indium has risen in price recently because of its use in LCD TV screens. It 'wets' and adheres to many surfaces hence the propensity of Field's metal to adhere to plastics. Approx. 10 g.