I had reason to build a couple of small induction coils, and I ran out of
the 16 iron wire I usually use for the cores. While in a craft store I found
packaged length of wire made for artificial floral arrangements. It was 18
gauge, so that was OK. I tested the wire with a small magnet and it stuck,
so I bought some. At home now I'm not sure what I've got.
It's white metal, and rather soft. Seems like aluminum, but it is attracted
by magnets. I left a short piece wrapped up in soggy paper towels for a day
or two, but it didn't rust. If it weren't for the magnetic response, I'd
swear it's aluminum. Some alloy, I guess, what is this stuff?
PS I made a core out of it; it works, but the magnetic field is weaker than
when I use iron wire . . .