What was Avedis Zildjian trying to make when he stumbled upon the formula for the perfect alloy for making musical cymbals?

When it comes to making cymbals, we are referred to as the “Gold Standard”. Which is ironic because in 1618, alchemist Avedis Zildjian was trying to make gold. Instead, he accidently formulated what's arguably the best cymbal material on the planet. Today at Zildjian, we still use that same secret alloy in every cast cymbal we craft.

The Avedis Zildjian Company, simply known as Zildjian, is a musical instrument manufacturer specializing in cymbals and other percussion instruments. Founded by the ethnic Armenian Zildjian family in the 17th-century Ottoman Empire, the company relocated to the United States in the 20th century. Today, it is the largest cymbal and drumstick maker in the world.