Metals & Alloys · common
Pewter
Pewter is a soft, usually tin-based alloy with a muted gray-silver look, common in older tableware, figurines, buttons, jewelry, and decorative objects.
Also known as: Tin alloy, Modern pewter, Antique pewter.
Pewter properties at a glance
| Type | Metals & Alloys |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | Tin-based alloy; composition varies |
| Mohs hardness | 2.5 |
| Luster | metallic |
| Streak | Gray |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Ductile to uneven |
| Specific gravity | 7.4 |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Common colors | Dull silver, Gray, Pewter gray |
| Rarity | common |
Geology & background
Pewter is manufactured by alloying tin with metals such as antimony, copper, or historically lead, then casting or shaping it into objects.
Pewter was widely used for household wares, religious objects, buttons, tankards, and decorative items before cheaper industrial materials became common.
How to identify Pewter
- Look for a muted gray-silver surface rather than a bright mirror shine.
- Pewter feels softer and can show dents or bends.
- Older pewter may darken with age.
- Common objects include tankards, figurines, buttons, and decorative pieces.
Full Pewter identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Pewter vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Pewter.
Where Pewter is found
Pewter is manufactured, refined, recycled, or traded worldwide; verify grade, purity, and origin from markings, documentation, or provenance when available.
How much is Pewter worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $1 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $20 |
| Premium specimen | $250+ |
Value depends mostly on the object, purity or alloy grade, weight, brand, condition, markings, and whether it is jewelry, hardware, a coin, a tool, or a raw material sample.
Common uses
- Tableware
- Figurines
- Buttons
- Jewelry
- Decorative objects
Interesting facts
- Modern pewter is usually lead-free, but older pewter can contain lead.
- Pewter has a softer, duller gray look than polished silver.
- Pewter objects can bend, dent, or scratch more easily than harder metals.
Care & safety
Pewter can scratch, dent, tarnish, corrode, or lose its surface finish depending on the alloy, coating, and use wear.
Old pewter may contain lead. Do not use antique or unknown pewter for food or drink unless it is verified lead-free.
Pewter FAQ
What is Pewter?
Pewter is a soft, usually tin-based alloy with a muted gray-silver look, common in older tableware, figurines, buttons, jewelry, and decorative objects.
How much is Pewter worth?
Entry-level Pewter specimens sell for around $1, a typical collector specimen for about $20, and premium pieces for $250 or more. Value depends mostly on the object, purity or alloy grade, weight, brand, condition, markings, and whether it is jewelry, hardware, a coin, a tool, or a raw material sample.
How hard is Pewter?
Pewter has a Mohs hardness of 2.5. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
What is Pewter used for?
Pewter is used for tableware, figurines, buttons, jewelry, and decorative objects.
