How and/or why does my chain do this?

[CalliopeCladdagh]

I have a chain made of oval links.
When I lower it onto a surface or into my hand, instead of settling all in a puddle it forms straight, rigid sections of various lengths. Does anyone know how this happens? See pics to explain what I mean!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

 

[abbit]

I had a box chain do this after i stretched it when i pulled it through a cleaning cloth too roughly

 

[CalliopeCladdagh]

I had a box chain do this after i stretched it when i pulled it through a cleaning cloth too roughly

Weird!
This was my grandmother's so I have no idea of its past treatment - but I have other things of hers that typically appear well looked after.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Weird!
This was my grandmother's so I have no idea of its past treatment - but I have other things of hers that typically appear well looked after.

Mum used to say Grandad used to kill his tomato plants with kindness

I must say after following your tread im going to go a bit more gentle cleaning chains
i already have one in getting fixed because i broke the catch from too vigorous cleaning