Knowing the Difference Between Copper and Brass
Posted: January 3, 2023
Copper and Brass can sometimes get confused. There are a couple of ways to tell the difference between the two.
1. Look at the colors: Copper is usually more of a reddish gold where brass is more on the yellow side. If your metals are covered in dirt, grease or something else, try scratching at it to get to a clean area. You can also compare the colors to something you know, like a penny (copper).
2. Coding: Brass usually has “codes” on it. They usually start with B or C and at least 3 numbers following.
3. Scratch test: To check if the metal is hard or soft take a nail and scratch at the metal. if it is soft and scratches easily it is copper. If it is harder to scratch, you probably have brass.
4. Metal stripping: If you put copper in metal stripping solution, when you take it out and wipe it clean it will have a pink-ish tint to it.
If you still aren’t sure what type of metal you have, keep it separated from everything. You can always bring it to our yard and we will be able to tell you what it is. You can find updated prices on our website and also find ways to make more money from your materials on our YouTube page.
We’re here to help!
Kate,
Rockaway Recycling
Call us: 973-625-9560
For the Morris, Essex, Union, Hudson, Sussex, Passaic, Somerset, and other New Jersey Counties visit us here:
Rockaway Recycling
311 W. Main St.
Rockaway, NJ 07866
