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