[2] It has a naturally occurring oxide layer, which on exposure to reagents develops into a very thin protective coating.
This allows Tungum to be used in high pressure gas pipework systems (oxygen and inert gases).
Unusually for a copper alloy, it can be precipitation hardened using heat treatment techniques.
In the decade after World War I, Sidney Tungay, a metallurgist, was experimenting with a new copper-based alloy which he hoped would look like gold when polished and which would be durable in everyday use.
Recognising that its close likeness to 22 carat gold would make it a marketable commodity the inventor carried out a series of tests which satisfied him that he had discovered a wonderful alloy.