Jet planes fly farther, asphalt mixers mix more, perfume sachet fillers fill faster -- all because of Stellite, the wonder alloy of cobalt, chromium and tungsten, with a hardness rating 3 to 15 times that of tempered tool steel. Stellite originated in Deloro, Ontario, 50 years ago when scientists sought a product to use up surplus supplies of cobalt from the famed Northern Ontario silver mines. Now, Stellite's qualities of superior resistance to heat and abrasion have made it more valuable than the original silver mines. With distributors in 30 different countries and plants in England and France as well as the head office in Belleville, Ontario, this Canadian-discovered and produced alloy saves time, money and lives around the world. Above, girl checks dimensions of Stellite valve-seat inserts for diesel engines.