This specification covers virgin titanium metal melting stock. This virgin metal is commonly designated as sponge titanium because it is most commonly porous and spongelike in texture, although metal produced electrolytically is granular and is essentially nonporous. Sponge titanium is usually prepared by reduction of titanium tetrachloride and gets its spongelike character from the processes involved in production. This spongy characteristic, however, is not considered essential and may be expected to vary greatly with manufacturing methods. For example, virgin titanium produced electrolytically is crystalline or granular in character and is essentially nonporous. The metal is usually supplied in lump or granular form. The virgin titanium shall be free of scrap, intentionally added contaminants and shall be in uniform, well-mixed blends. The titanium metal shall conform to the chemical composition and Brinell hardness requirements prescribed.