Copper or brass?

[Fiftytwo pennies]

When I am detecting I keep everything . later when I'm sorting through
my bag throwing away the trash and collecting all the metal.
I know you can take a grinder to copper and it will emit no sparks.
I believe this is also true with brass.I have found that some older brass
will vary in color is there another test I can do?
With our local prices...Brass 1.00$ per LB. and Copper 3.00$ per LB.
I would hate to get the two confused and miss out

Thanks
Fiftytwo Pennies

[Fiftytwo pennies]

If you want to identify brass versus gold, try using some ammonia solution
or vinegar on the metal. Brass has oxides which will be dissolved and the
brass will come out much brighter. Gold does not oxidize and will not react. Highly polished brass will not have an oxide coat to remove, so you can test it by immersing it in a solution with 2/3 vinegar and 1/3 hydrogen peroxide solution, and leave it for more than fifteen minutes. If it is brass and not gold, the solution will begin to turn green as the copper in the brass begins to dissolve. Again, gold will not react. The best answer I can
come up with.

[JoAnne]

Yes thanks - I learn something new every day.

[John's Detectors]

Wow me too!

John's Detectors