Gold in its pure form is a very soft metal, so it is often alloyed with other metals for increased strength and hardness. When gold is alloyed, its ductility is diminished, but its malleability remains constant, except when large amounts of copper are added. Red or pink gold (also called rose gold) is gold that contains large percentages of copper and a small amount of silver. Green gold is usually gold alloyed with additional silver or with silver that has a small percentage of copper. White gold is usually 75% gold and 25% nickel (or nickel, zinc, and sometimes copper). Formally white gold was made with silver and/or palladium, but white gold made with nickel and zinc is harder, cheaper, and has better melting characteristics.