Q&A for How to Tell Brass from Copper

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The item is tarnished so the color test does not help. Any other pointers?

Community Answer

Try the sound test against two different materials. Copper will not make much of a sound, but brass will ring loud and clear. Sound is probably the most foolproof way to test the difference between copper and other metals.

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Question

I have an apple butter kettle and would like to find out if this piece is brass or copper. Is there a test that I can perform that would let me know one way or the other?

Community Answer

Lightly strike it with the convex side of a tablespoon's heel. If it "thunks" more than it rings, it is copper; if it rings, it's brass.

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How do I tell the difference between copper and zinc?

Community Answer

Zinc is a white or silvery metal, while copper is red. If you're trying to separate pure copper coins and zinc-plated copper coins, weigh them on a gram scale. You can find the expected weights of coins online or in coin collector handbooks.

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Can you use a magnet to identify brass or copper?

Community Answer

Unfortunately not. Neither material is magnetic, although both will slightly repel a very strong magnet. If a magnet sticks to the metal, it's probably iron with a thin plating of brass or copper.

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Question

Is vintage copper valuable?

Community Answer

Most small pieces or furniture components are not, but art objects or cooking pots can be. Antique copper pots usually have thick walls with hammer marks, and a visible dovetailed seam connecting the sides to the base.

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How can I tell if an object, like a figurine, is made of bronze or brass before I buy it?

Community Answer

If you could polish the item, you would be able to tell: yellow/gold after polishing means it's brass. While bronze after polishing will look brownish. If the figurine is bronze, it'll be worth much more, as bronze contains tin, a material that's growing ever so scarce.

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