When it comes to getting the most out of your metals before bringing them to the junk yard you want to sort them correctly. In order to do so, you will first need to be able to identify the difference in these various metals. Here is a quick guide to recognizing different types of metals.
Ferrous and non-Ferrous metals: First you will want to be able to tell the difference between ferrous and nonferrous metals. The easiest way to do this by using simple magnet. Ferrous means that the metal carries iron content which makes it magnetic; nonferrous, on the other hand, means there is no iron and thus metal is non-responsive to a magnet.
Aluminum:

• Shiny grey color
• Very light
• Nonferrous -doesn’t attract to magnet
• Non sparking
• Does not rust
• Commonly seen in soda cans

Iron /Steel

• Dull grey when unpolished
• About 3x heavier than aluminum
• Ferrous -attracts magnet
• Very Strong
• Susceptible to rust

Bronze

• Dark Coppery color and gets green oxide over time
• Nonferrous –doesn’t attract to magnet
• Alloy of copper & Tin
• Vibrates like  a bell when hit

Brass

• Yellow & Gold Color
• Nonferrous -doesn’t attract magnet
• Similar to Bronze – Vibrates like a bell when hit
• Alloy of Copper & Zinc (usually 50% copper)
• Commonly seen in musical instruments

Copper

• Light red and gets green oxide over time
• Nonferrous -doesn’t attract magnet
• Alloy similar to brass & bronze
• Similar to brass & bronze – Vibrates like a bell when hit
• Commonly seen in cookware, electronics and wiring

Another way to tell certain metals apart is with the “spark test”. You can do this by taking an angle grinder to your metal and observing the sparks (if any) to determine the type. Because all metals spark differently this is an easy way to identify the type of metal you are dealing with.

By
Jill McVey