Gold and copper
Gold and copper are similar to non-metals experts, but they are really very different metals. Although both are used in jewelry, gold is a very precious metal, and is associated with richness and beauty. Copper is a cheap metal. Copper, in addition to how to distinguish gold from copper.
gold
Gold is one of the chemical elements, symbolized by cyclic states and its atomic number 79, a very precious metal. Gold is characterized by its color, its brilliant yellow color is found in nature in the form of granules, which are scattered in the bottoms of the rivers or are present in the rocks. Other such as copper and lead, the largest mass of gold was discovered in Australia in 1896, where the weight of this mass was 2.280 ounces.
Gold has the characteristics of its distinction from other metals, it is not eroded, and soft texture, and very high intensity, more than the amount of gold are the Pharaohs, where they make coffins of dead kings of gold, and the mask of Tutankhamun very famous, made of pure gold .
Copper
Copper is a chemical element, which is used in the manufacture of many alloys. It is also added to the gold bullion to give it the necessary hardness, for the manufacture of jewelry. It is also used in the manufacture of coins. It was used in the Middle Ages to manufacture military armor and some musical instruments.
How to distinguish between gold and copper
There are many ways to differentiate between them, including the following:
- Use magnet: The use of magnets is one of the traditional methods of distinguishing between gold and copper. Gold is not attracted to magnets, while copper is attracted to it.
- Search for the stamp: In the manufacture of all jewelry and alloys, put the stamp on them, to indicate purity, and usually the purity of gold, or carat 12, or 14, or 22, or 24, and the lowest value of gold is ten carats, which indicates that purity is less than ten Garret, it is certainly not gold.
- Use of acids: If the previous methods are used to distinguish between gold and copper, it is not certain that the acids can be used to differentiate them completely. They can be easily purchased from the market. If gold is placed in acid, it will not change its properties or color. Place the copper in the acid, it will turn brown to dark.
Tips for using acids in gold recognition
- It is not preferable to use acids to determine the metal of rare coins and jewelry; because this will damage them.
- Care must be taken of the use of acids because they have toxic properties.
- It is very important during acid use to carefully read the usage guidelines.