How to Identify Scrap Metal — Complete Guide August 01, 2026

Current Prices — August 01, 2026

Metal / Grade	Price	Trend
Copper (orange-red, non-magnetic)	$3.20–$4.20/lb	↑
Brass (golden-yellow, non-magnetic)	$1.80–$2.40/lb	↑
Aluminum (silver-gray, very light)	$0.40–$0.75/lb	→
Stainless Steel (silver, non-magnetic)	$0.35–$0.70/lb	→
Nickel Alloy/Inconel (silver, heavy)	$4.00–$14.00/lb	↑
Titanium (silver-gray, very light)	$2.00–$8.00/lb	→
Steel/Iron (magnetic)	$150–$280/ton	→

The 4 Basic Metal Identification Tests

1. Magnet Test (Most Important)

A magnet is your most important scrap identification tool. Magnetic = ferrous (steel or iron). Non-magnetic = non-ferrous (copper, aluminum, brass, stainless, nickel alloys, titanium). Note: 304 and 316 stainless steel are non-magnetic in their annealed state but may become slightly magnetic when cold-worked.

2. Color Test

Orange-red: Copper or copper alloys
Golden-yellow: Brass (copper-zinc alloy)
Reddish-orange: Red brass or bronze (higher copper content)
Silver-gray (light): Aluminum or titanium
Silver-gray (heavy): Stainless steel, nickel alloys, or lead
Dark gray/black: Cast iron or lead

3. Weight Test

Pick up the piece and estimate its weight relative to its size. Very light for its size: aluminum or titanium. Medium weight: stainless steel or nickel alloys. Very heavy for its size: lead or tungsten carbide. Titanium is about half the weight of steel of the same size.

4. Spark Test (Grinding)

When ground on a wheel: Carbon steel produces bright orange/yellow sparks that burst. Stainless steel produces dull red/orange sparks. Titanium produces brilliant white sparks. Aluminum produces no sparks (melts instead). Copper and brass produce no sparks.

Identifying High-Value Alloys

For high-value alloys (Inconel, Hastelloy, Monel, titanium), the most reliable identification method is XRF (X-ray fluorescence) testing. We can perform XRF testing on-site to confirm the grade before purchase. Mill certifications (MTRs) are the gold standard — if you have paperwork with the material, bring it.

Related: Price Calculator · Current Prices

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I identify scrap metal types?

Use the magnet test first (magnetic = steel/iron), then color (copper is orange-red, brass is golden-yellow, aluminum is silver-gray and light), then weight (titanium is very light, lead is very heavy).

How do I tell if something is stainless steel?

Stainless steel is non-magnetic (or very weakly magnetic), silver-gray, and doesn't rust. It has a slight sheen compared to carbon steel. 304 and 316 are the most common grades.

How do I identify Inconel?

Inconel is non-magnetic, silver-gray, very hard to machine, and found in high-temperature applications (jet engines, gas turbines). XRF testing or mill certs confirm the grade.

What is the spark test for metal identification?

Carbon steel makes bright orange bursting sparks. Stainless makes dull red sparks. Titanium makes brilliant white sparks. Aluminum and copper make no sparks.

Do you offer XRF testing?

Yes — we can perform XRF testing on-site to confirm alloy grades before purchase. This is especially important for high-value nickel superalloys.

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How to Identify Scrap Metal — Complete Visual Guide