How to Tell the Difference Between Bronze, Brass and CopperBronze, Brass, and copper are sometimes hard to tell apart. If you know what you are looking for, and you understand what each material exactly is, the process of knowing the difference becomes a lot easier.Explore the printed information below to discover what each material is, how to spot differences, and some items that are made out of each.1. ColorCopper, Brass, and bronze all have a slightly different color and sheen to them. Copper contains a brown, somewhat rustic finish to it. Brass has a lighter finish, and is contains a very bright sheen. It is very comparable to the color gold. Bronze has a much darker finish, and does not contain much of a sheen to it.2. AlloysCopper is true in itself. Copper is pure, and is not made of any alloys. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. The copper in brass can be used and varied to create many different types of brass. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. Copper is the main used, and can be mixed with other materials to create other types of bronze as well.3. MagneticWhen looking and testing to see which material is which you may be able to tell with a simple heavy duty magnet. Copper is in no way magnetic. Using even the strongest of magnets on copper, it will not attract. Brass is magnetic to a small extent. If you take a very heavy duty magnet, and hold close to a brass object, chances are the object will attract to the magnet. Bronze is in no way magnetic, just like copper. The only material out of those three is brass, which will only attract to a heavy magnet.4. DurabilityCopper is durable, as well as flexible. Copper at its true state is very hard to crack or break. You can bend copper, stretch it, and shape it into anything you want without cracking or damaging it.Brass is strong, however not as durable. Brass is susceptible to corrosion cracking. It is not as strong or durable as copper, and is not flexible at all in comparison to copper. Bronze is tough, and durable as well. Although bronze is not easily flexed in any situation, it does withstand water, which in turn is resistant to corrosion.5. UsesCopper is used for many things. The most common objects you will see copper present in are wiring and plumbing materials. This is because it is a great conductor, and has been used for years upon years in construction of many types. Brass is used in many of our household accessories. Our locks, doorknobs, gears, etc. are mainly made out of brass. You will also see brass present and some electricals and plumbing materials as well. Bronze is used in many ship and boat parts and gears. This is because as stated before bronze will withstand water, so it can stand up to just about anything.So, the next time you are staring at an object, wondering just exactly what it's made out of. Remember these few facts, and even try a few out.How to Tell the Difference between a Brass and Copper PipeCopper and brass are two very similar looking metals but there are many occasions when it's useful to be able to differentiate between brass and copper pipes.Copper is a naturally occurring metal which is fairly unique in the fact that it has a gold like color. Most metals (with the exception of gold) are silver in color. Brass is a man made alloy of copper and zinc mixed together.Step 1 - Looking at the ColorOne of the easiest ways to tell the difference between copper and brass is to look at the color. At first glance the two can seem very similar however there are differences. If you have an item that you know is made out of copper then compare the color and decide whether it's brass or copper.Copper has a red tinge to it and will go a lovely shade of green when it starts to corrode. The statue of liberty is made out of copper which has corroded.Step 2 - Listening to the PipesTap the pipes and listen to their sound. Copper is a softer metal which should produce a smoother sound. Brass is slightly harder and should produce a more defined note.Step 3 - Looking for MarkingsSome pipes will have markings on it to show that it is copper or brass. Anything with a number starting with C will be made from copper.Step 4 - Scientific AnalysisThe final option would be to send a sample of your pipe off to the lab for testing.Caring for an Antique Brass FaucetAntique brass faucet can very quickly lose its charm if not taken proper care of. Like any antique, a brass faucet also requires some attention to maintain its elegance. Now, by following only a few tips, you can maintain the antiquity and functionality of your faucet over a period of time.Tip 1: Differentiate Brass coated faucets from Brass FaucetsUsually steel faucets are coated with brass to give the classy bronze appearance. You can check the magnetic qualities of these faucets to differentiate them from proper brass faucets. Steel, being extremely magnetic, will show positive attraction and repulsion near a magnet as opposed to brass which is not magnetic. Once a。