Copper is used for a variety of purposes, like making cookware, mugs, or for its traditional and aesthetic value. Copper helps rejuvenate the energy in the house. Real copper is expensive. Multiple questions bubble up in our heads while buying a copper item. We wonder whether the product is made of real copper, the thickness of the copper sheet used, how to maintain it to avoid losing its texture, the durability of the product, and more. 

Here is a quick telltale checklist that can help you with a good purchase in just 5 minutes:

1. The Color test

Copper and Brass can baffle you with their color similarity. Real Copper has a natural pink tone with reddish-brown tincture like a gleaming new penny, that can darken to look red, yellow, or orange gradually with time. Whereas brass and bronze are often contemplated similar in color, brass is brighter and more yellowish, while bronze is slightly brown gold, with nothing like the shade of copper.

2. Magnetic effect on Metal

A magnet is one of the easiest techniques for distinguishing real copper from fake copper or other metals without damaging an object. Copper is the least magnetic so if you place the magnet in proximity to the copper item you wish to test, there will be no impact of the same on it. But the powerful magnet may have a slight effect on the copper item. Even if an item is made from real copper-plated metal, it won’t pass this test.

3. Check the sound

Copper comes with its distinct sound. On striking any copper item against something, it releases a deep and euphonious sound as the real copper metal generates. Any other alloys most likely produce a sharp and clear sound like a loud ringing bell. 

4. Smoothness in texture

The copper is exceptionally smooth. To manufacture any copper item, stringent care is taken to keep the copper piece perfectly smooth. Check whether the copper product is sturdy. The real copper can easily be molded with bare hands if the product is thin enough. This small test can make you buy easily, whether you have a real deal or a decent copy in your hand.

5. Corrosion of Copper

Copper corrodes in a very unique way. It produces a crust that is blue or green in hue. The old granny method to test the copper is to rub the copper item with salt and vinegar and then wait for the area to oxidize and change the color, if it turned out to be green, you are at the right place. While practically speaking, it’s not possible to have salt and vinegar handy with you on shopping, you surely can test some pieces you have at home.

6. Conducive to Electricity

Science says that real copper is a great conductor of electrical current. To check the authenticity of the copper piece, you need a device called an ohmmeter which can effectively measure the object’s electrical resistance. Do some math next: Take the reading from the ohmmeter and multiply by the cross-sectional area of the item, then on dividing that number by the length of the object. If the piece you have is of real copper will have a resistivity of 1.7 x 10^-8 ohm-meters.

When you buy copper, invest time and effort in buying a real product to reap real benefits. Learning the signs of real copper can easily help you spot fake and sub-standard copper products.