Scrap Copper and Brass: How to tell the difference

premier • January 27, 2022

In most cases, brass and copper are mistaken to be identical. This is because they are of the same color, weight and shine. Also, most of them are present in most objects that you interact with on a daily basis thereby making it difficult to tell the difference between them. For those who deal in metals, knowing how to tell the difference between the two metals is very important.

Scrap copper has earned a great reputation as having good values in the market because it shares similar features with silver and gold. Also, it is a great conductor of electricity so its demand is as high as that of silver and gold. On the other hand, brass is valuable and used in making items that you interact with on a daily basis. Therefore, if you are out there collecting copper or brass items, it would be crucial to know how to differentiate them.

Below are some of the tips to help you tell the differences between brass from copper.

Features of brass and copper

Scrap copper is easily bent to form different shapes. It is reddish in color and has green subdue color as it oxidizes. On the other hand, brass is a mixture of two or more metallic elements and it resembles copper because it is a part of copper. Given that brass is a combination of copper and zinc, it is harder than copper though it can break if hit with a metal that is harder than it is. It has a yellowish subdue color and it shows brownish or black marks as it ages.

Response to magnetic force

You can tell the difference between the two metals based on their responses to magnetic force. Copper is non-magnetic while brass shows slight attraction to strong magnetic forces.

Purpose

The two metals exhibit differences on what you can use them for. Given that copper conducts electricity very well, it is used in transmitting electricity. On the other hand, you can use brass for furniture and home fixtures because it is strong and tough.

The techniques above are just some of the ways of figuring out the differences between copper and brass. To gain valuable personal experience in identifying the differences between the two metals, you can keep trying to identify more ways of differentiating the two.  Contact us  for further tests for cases where you need further study on the two metals.

Benefits of Recycling Scrap Metal

Getting Rid Of Old Computers: The Ultimate Guide

By premier • August 19, 2024
After upgrading to new computer equipment, you may be wondering what to do with your old computer. Most companies set policies to transfer their old computer hardware to less critical areas of the business. If that is not an option, then you need to get rid of your old hardware. To do so, you need […] The post Getting Rid Of Old Computers: The Ultimate Guide appeared first on Scrap Mart Metals.

Old With The Old – Recycling Bathroom Fixtures

By premier • August 2, 2024
Bathroom renovations are fun. Everyone loves getting a makeover for their home; Right up to the moment, it’s time to get rid of the old stuff. Once your bathroom is sparkling and new, you will hardly believe what’s left behind: porcelain basins, old pipes, faucets, tile, fixtures, and more. That’s a lot of useful material. […] The post Old With The Old – Recycling Bathroom Fixtures appeared first on Scrap Mart Metals.

Make Quick Money by Recycling Copper Wire

By premier • July 24, 2024
You can make real money by recycling copper wire you have on hand. Recycling this valuable commodity means instant payment by the pound when you bring copper wire or other copper scraps into Scrap Mart from anywhere in the greater St. Louis region. That copper wire can be renewed and recycled, again and again. Copper has enduring value because it is […] The post Make Quick Money by Recycling Copper Wire appeared first on Scrap Mart Metals.
More Posts