Find Base Metal

If you are unsure about your base metal, please refer to this page to help you understand the properties of metals.

There are many differences between metals that appear alike. For example, steel is magnetic, but stainless steel is not. Silver is extremely conductive, chrome is much less conductive. Use this chart and conduct some simple science experiments to determine which metal you have.

Metal	Color	Magnetic?	Reacts to Acid?*	Conductivity (Copper=100)
Aluminum	Silverish	No	No	30-50
Anodized Aluminum	Varies	No	No	0
Brass	Gold	No	No	28
Copper	Copper	No	No	100
Chrome	Bright Bluish Silver	Yes¹	No	55
Gold	Gold	No	No	65
Iron	Grey	Yes	No	2-17
Lead	Dull Grey	No	No	7
Nickel	Bright Yellowish Silver	Yes	No	12-16
Pewter	Dull Grey	No	No	7
Pot Metal	Flat Grey	No	Yes	20-30
Silver	Bright Silver	Yes	No	106
Steel	Bright Grey	Yes	No	3-15
Stainless Steel	Silver	No	No	3-15
Zinc	Flat Grey	No	Yes	28

* - Place a drop of muriatic acid or battery acid on the metal in an inconspicous area. A rigorous bubbling action indicates a reaction to the acid. Rinse the part immediately to stop the reaction.

¹ - Attracted to the nickel layer under the chrome.