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How to Tell if It's Copper or Brass

Humans have been using the element copper in everything from jewelry to coins to water pipes for more than 10,000 years, according to the Copper Development Association. A mixture of zinc and copper makes up brass metals, also used for centuries by man. Although there are many chemical differences in the properties of brass and copper items, you can tell if your item is copper or brass with just a visual inspection.

Things You'll Need

Metal cleaner
Rag

Instructions

- 1
  Look for the color of any patina on the item. Older copper objects will have a green corrosion that develops over time through oxidization, referred to as patina. Brass objects turn a dark brown to black color with oxidization.
- 2
  Clean the object with a polish made specifically for cleaning metals, using a soft rag. Cleaners such as Brasso and MAAS will clean both copper and brass without damaging the item. This will allow you to see the natural color of the item.
- 3
  Look at the color of the object. Copper objects will have a reddish- or orange-brown color, while brass objects will look more yellow like gold. Copper objects will also be darker than brass objects.

Artifacts