What is the Difference Between Brass and Gold?

The main difference between brass and gold lies in their composition, appearance, and properties. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Composition: Gold is a naturally occurring precious metal with the chemical symbol Au, while brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
2. Appearance: Both brass and gold have a yellow color, but gold is shinier and has a more vibrant yellow color than brass, which is duller. Gold is also not attracted to a magnet, while brass is not magnetic.
3. Physical Properties: Gold is a relatively soft, malleable, and ductile material, while brass is harder and more durable. When scratched across a ceramic surface, gold will leave a streak of gold, but brass will leave a black streak.
4. Chemical Properties: Gold does not tarnish, but brass reacts with oxygen in the environment, causing it to oxidize and become tarnished and discolored.
5. Price: Gold is a more expensive material than brass, which is often used as a substitute for gold in jewelry and other decorative items.

To differentiate between gold and brass, you can observe their physical properties, such as color, luster, and malleability, or test their chemical properties, such as reactivity to oxygen or magnetism.

Comparative Table: Brass vs Gold

Here is a table comparing the differences between brass and gold:

Brass is an alloy made of copper and zinc, while gold is a pure metallic element. Gold appears shinier and has a brighter yellow tone compared to brass, which has a slightly duller tone. Gold is denser than brass and is a non-reactive metal, meaning it won't tarnish regardless of exposure to air or other elements. On the other hand, brass is more vulnerable to corrosion and tarnishing. The acid test is a common method to distinguish between gold and brass, as gold is inert and does not react with most acids, while brass reacts with strong acids.