Which frame material is made from a combination of nickel and copper and is very popular?

• A. Monel
• B. Titanium
• C. Stainless Steel
• D. Nickel Silver

Answer: (A)

Monel is a nickel-copper alloy, meaning it is composed mainly of nickel with copper as the second element. This combination gives it notable strength and excellent corrosion resistance, including to seawater and many chemicals, while still being workable and capable of a bright, durable finish. Those qualities make it very popular for eyeglass frames because it’s sturdy, holds its shape, and resists wear over time. The other materials are different: titanium is valued for lightness and corrosion resistance but isn’t a nickel-copper alloy; stainless steel is primarily iron-based with chromium (and sometimes nickel) for corrosion resistance, not nickel and copper; nickel silver is a copper–nickel–zinc alloy, so its primary composition isn’t nickel and copper in the same way.