How to Tell Gold from Brass

Co-authored by Jerry Ehrenwald

Last Updated: December 18, 2024

Gold and brass are both shiny, yellow metals. Telling them apart can be difficult for someone who has no experience with metals. Luckily, there are several ways to differentiate between gold and brass. If you know what to look for, there are often markings on a metal that will identify it. You can also test the metal's physical and chemical properties to determine whether it is brass or gold.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Observing Physical Properties

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While brass and gold have similar colors, gold is shinier and more yellow. Brass is duller than gold and does not have the same vibrant yellow color as pure gold. However, if the gold is mixed with other metals, this method will be less reliable.
Gold is a very soft metal. When scratched across a ceramic surface, gold will leave behind a streak of gold. However, brass is harder and will leave a black streak on the same surface. Simply press the metal to an unpolished ceramic surface and pull it across the surface.

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The most accurate way to test the density of the metal would be to measure the volume and the mass, then calculate the density mathematically. Luckily, there's a faster and easier approach. Use your hand to toss the metal lightly up and let it come back down (or you can just lift it and lower it quickly without it leaving your hand). Since gold is more dense than brass, it will feel heavier than you might expect. Since brass has a lower density, it will feel lighter.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Identifying Commercial Distinctions

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The karat is a measurement used to designate the purity of gold. Higher ratios of gold to other metals in a piece means a higher karat count. Pure gold is 24 karat.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Jerry Ehrenwald
Former President, International Gemological Institute & Graduate Gemologist

Expert Interview. 12 August 2019.} A brass piece will not be marked with a karat count. The karat count is typically found in an inconspicuous place such as the bottom or inside of a piece, though it varies from piece to piece.
While brass does not receive a karat count, it is sometimes marked. Many brass pieces will have the word “Brass” somewhere on the metal. This word is often stamped or engraved in the metal piece when it is forged. Just like the karat count, the location of this stamp will vary, but it is likely to be on the inside lip or the bottom of an object.^{[2]
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If you know what the metal piece sells for, you can easily tell the difference between brass and gold. Gold is quite expensive depending on its purity. Brass is relatively cheap compared to precious metals like gold and silver.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Testing Chemical Properties

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One of the most revered properties of gold is that it does not tarnish. On the other hand, brass reacts with oxygen in the environment. This reaction is called oxidation and it will cause the brass to look tarnished and discolored. If there are any oxidized areas, the piece is brass. However, the absence of oxidation cannot confirm that the piece is gold.
When testing the chemical properties of a piece of metal, you should do so in an area that is not typically visible. This will ensure that the piece isn't ruined by doing the test. Look for a lip or rim with an underside, or a piece of the metal that is otherwise covered or concealed.^{[3]
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Apply concentrated acid to the metal. Brass will react with acids and gold will not.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Jerry Ehrenwald
Former President, International Gemological Institute & Graduate Gemologist

Expert Interview. 12 August 2019.} If you see bubbling or discoloration where the acid is applied, your piece is brass. If there is no change after applying the acid, you have gold.^{[5]
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Question

How can I tell if something is gold or gold plated?

Jerry Ehrenwald
Former President, International Gemological Institute & Graduate Gemologist
Jerry Ehrenwald, GG, ASA, is a graduate gemologist in New York City. He is the previous President of the International Gemological Institute and the inventor of U.S.-patented Laserscribe℠, a means of laser inscribing onto a diamond a unique indicia, such as a DIN (Diamond Identification Number). He is a senior member of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and is a member of the Twenty-Four Karat Club of the City of New York, a social club limited to 200 of the most accomplished individuals in the jewelry business.

Jerry Ehrenwald

Former President, International Gemological Institute & Graduate Gemologist

Expert Answer

Look for a stamp on the piece that says "24K" or "999" which means that it's pure gold.

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Question

How can I tell if my gold chain is real?

Jerry Ehrenwald
Former President, International Gemological Institute & Graduate Gemologist
Jerry Ehrenwald, GG, ASA, is a graduate gemologist in New York City. He is the previous President of the International Gemological Institute and the inventor of U.S.-patented Laserscribe℠, a means of laser inscribing onto a diamond a unique indicia, such as a DIN (Diamond Identification Number). He is a senior member of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and is a member of the Twenty-Four Karat Club of the City of New York, a social club limited to 200 of the most accomplished individuals in the jewelry business.

Jerry Ehrenwald

Former President, International Gemological Institute & Graduate Gemologist

Expert Answer

Try testing your gold with nitric acid. Real gold doesn't cause any reaction, so it may be made from something else if you notice it change color.

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Warnings

Acids are corrosive and toxic.

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Applying acid to a valuable piece can lower the value of the piece.

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