How can you tell if something is bronze?

You’re holding a piece of metal. It looks reddish-brown, feels heavy, and you’re not quite sure what it is. Bronze? Copper? Or maybe brass? The difference isn’t always immediately obvious, but with a few simple tests, you can find out quickly. In this blog, you’ll learn how to identify bronze, how it differs from copper and brass, and how much your old bronze is worth.

How can you tell if something is bronze?

Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, typically consisting of about 85 to 90 percent copper and 5 to 10 percent tin. This composition gives bronze its distinctive properties. There are several ways to identify bronze:

Color: Bronze has a reddish-brown to golden-brown hue. It is warmer in color than pure copper and less yellow than brass.
Weight: Bronze is heavy for its size. If a piece of metal feels noticeably heavy, that's usually a good sign.
Magnetism: Bronze is not magnetic. Hold a magnet near the metal. Does it not attract it? Then it might be bronze.
Sound: Tap the metal lightly. Bronze produces a clear, resonant tone (which is why it has been used for bells for centuries).
Patina: Antique bronze develops a greenish coating, also known as patina. This is a layer of oxidation that protects the metal from further corrosion.

Identifying Bronze Using the Magnet Test

The magnet test is the easiest way to distinguish bronze from iron or steel. Take a regular refrigerator magnet or a stronger neodymium magnet and hold it near the metal. Bronze, like copper and brass, is not magnetic. Does the metal react to the magnet? If so, it is most likely iron or steel, not bronze.

One exception is CuNiAl, also commonly known as aluminum bronze. It’s used, for example, to make ship propellers and consists of an alloy of copper, aluminum, nickel, and a small amount of iron. This combination of elements makes the product resistant to seawater and ensures that the propeller won’t rust—which is quite handy. If you hold a magnet up to it, you’ll feel the magnet pull very slightly toward the metal. This is due to the iron in the alloy. With these little tricks, you don’t need an analytical instrument to figure out what it is.

Want to be absolutely sure? Then take a look at the color of a freshly made fracture or the edge of the metal, or give it a quick sanding (don’t forget to put on your safety goggles). Bronze has a warm, reddish-brown hue in those areas. With iron or steel, you’ll see a grayish color. Still not sure? At Krommenhoek Metals, we’re happy to help. Send a photo via WhatsApp [link] and you’ll know right away.

Difference Between Bronze and Copper

Bronze and copper look alike, but they are not the same. Copper is a pure metal; bronze is an alloy in which copper is the main component, supplemented with tin.

Color: Pure copper is brighter and more orange-pink. Bronze is duller and more reddish-brown in color.
Hardness: Bronze is harder and stronger than copper because it contains tin. As a result, it is more resistant to wear and tear.
Applications: Copper is widely used in electrical wiring and piping. Bronze is more commonly found in bearings, pumps, statues, and decorative elements.

Both old bronze and old copper are valuable metals that you can turn in at Krommenhoek Metals. The exact scrap price varies depending on the type of metal and its quality.

Difference Between Bronze and Brass

Brass is sometimes confused with bronze, but their compositions differ significantly. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, while bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. That may sound like a subtle difference, but the effect on color and use is quite noticeable.

Color: Brass is noticeably more yellow in color, almost golden. Bronze is reddish-brown. This color difference is the quickest way to tell the two apart.
Applications: Brass is commonly found in plumbing fixtures, faucets, locks, and musical instruments. Bronze is more commonly used in mechanical parts, shipbuilding, and art.

Both antique brass and antique bronze are valuable non-ferrous metals. Not sure which metal you have? Send a photo via WhatsApp to +31 6 13 662 187—we’d be happy to take a look!

Turn in your bronze at Krommenhoek Metals

Do you have old bronze, copper, or brass that you’d like to turn in? You can easily do so at one of our locations in Rotterdam or Westland. Whether you have a few kilograms or a large quantity, you’re always welcome!

Do you have more than 1,000 kg of commercial bronze scrap? If so, we’d love to hear from you about our pallet box and/or container service. We’ll provide leak-proof pallet boxes for your bronze turnings and/or scrap. For a quick price estimate, simply send a photo via WhatsApp to +31 6 13 662 187. You’ll receive a prompt reply so you’ll know exactly where you stand right away.

We'll weigh your metal on the spot and pay you right away. Transparent, fair, and hassle-free! Will we see you soon?