Scrap-Metal-Identification-Chart
If you are new to
metal recycling this chart will help you quickly learn the key properties of different metals and common sources
Metal Type |
Magnetic |
Color & Appearance |
Common Sources |
Value ($/lb) |
Key Properties |
Steel |
Yes |
Dark gray, rusts |
Appliances, beams, car frames |
Low |
Strong, heavy, rusts |
Stainless Steel |
No (Mostly) |
Silver, shiny, no rust |
Kitchen sinks, utensils |
Medium |
Corrosion-resistant |
Cast Iron |
Yes |
Dark gray/black, brittle |
Pipes, bathtubs, engine blocks |
Low |
Heavy, breakable, rusts |
Aluminum |
No |
Silver/gray, lightweight |
Cans, window frames, bike parts |
Medium |
Lightweight, no rust |
Copper |
No |
Reddish-brown, turns green |
Wires, pipes, electronics |
High |
Malleable, conducts electricity |
Brass |
No |
Yellowish-gold |
Plumbing fixtures, bullet casings |
Medium-High |
Heavy, corrosion-resistant |
Bronze |
No |
Reddish-brown, golden |
Statues, bearings, boat parts |
Medium |
Harder than copper |
Lead |
No |
Dull gray, soft, heavy |
Car batteries, old pipes |
Low-Medium |
Dense, toxic if mishandled |
Zinc |
No |
Grayish-white, chalky |
Roofing, die-cast toys |
Low |
Brittle, used in galvanization |
Tin |
No |
Silvery-white, shiny |
Solder, tin cans |
Low |
Soft, corrosion-resistant |
Titanium |
No |
Silver-gray, strong |
Medical implants, aerospace |
High |
Stronger than steel |

Also Check out the
Spark Test
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