What type of alloy is pewter?

Pewter is indeed a silver-gray alloy primarily composed of tin, along with small amounts of antimony, copper, and sometimes other metals. The tin content usually makes up the majority of the alloy, providing pewter with its malleable nature and attractive finish. The addition of antimony and copper helps improve the strength and durability of pewter, making it suitable for various applications such as decorative objects, jewelry, and tableware.

The other options incorrectly describe different alloys or mixtures. An alloy made primarily of copper and lead does not encompass the typical composition of pewter, which relies on tin as its main component. Similarly, a gold-based alloy with silver content would refer to a different type of alloy used primarily in jewelry, while a chemical mixture of iron and zinc relates to a completely different process. Thus, understanding the metal composition and properties of pewter is key to identifying its correct classification.