Spangold is a family of shape memory-effect alloys (SME) of gold, copper, and aluminum in either 18K or 23K. The name of the family is a play on the word "spangled".
Spangold is a beta-phase alloy with a nominal stoichiometry of Au7Cu5Al4 and a nominal composition by mass of 76% gold, 18% copper, and 6% aluminum. The texture is caused by the induction of a martensitic-type phase transformation on a polished surface.
Spangold undergoes a martensitic-type phase transformation when properly treated. This phase transformation is induced on a polished surface of the alloy. Martensitic transformations are a common feature in shape memory alloys, and they involve a reversible change in crystal structure that allows the material to recover its original shape when subjected to specific temperature changes.
References
Ira Wolff; Michael Cortie (1994). "The Development of Spangold". Gold Bulletin. 27 (2): 44–54. doi:10.1007/BF03214729. /wiki/Doi_(identifier) ↩
"Spangold Alloys". Total Materia. July 2013. https://www.totalmateria.com/page.aspx?ID=CheckArticle&site=ktn&NM=311 ↩
"Spangold : a now aura for Intermetallica". Metal Abstracts. 27: 15. June 1994. ↩