When choosing materials for different projects, it is essential to ascertain if a certain metal has more iron than non-ferrous metal. In contrast to non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum, which are not magnetic and do not contain iron, ferrous metals like steel and iron do. Determining the iron content of a material aids in precise material classification, enabling the selection of the appropriate metal for a given application based on characteristics such as strength, weight, and resistance to corrosion.

Here are five ways to determine the presence of iron content in ferrous vs non ferrous metals.

Magnetic test

Using a magnet is one of the simplest techniques to check for iron. Because they contain iron, ferrous metals like steel and iron are magnetic. Copper and aluminum are examples of non-ferrous metals that are not drawn to magnets.

Rust formation

Metals that contain iron are susceptible to rusting in damp environments. Steel and other ferrous metals, such as cast iron, will rust over time. While some non-ferrous metals, like brass or aluminum, may tarnish or take on a patina, they do not rust.

Spark test

Because ferrous metals include iron, grinding them produces lengthy, brilliant sparks. Applying the same grinding procedure to non-ferrous metals results in little to no sparks, therefore this is an easy way to tell them apart.

Weight

The iron content of ferrous metals causes them to be heavier overall. Since non-ferrous metals like aluminum are lighter, determining a metal’s category may be done simply by looking at its weight.

Color and appearance

Usually appearing in gray or black tones, ferrous metals are duller and darker in appearance. In contrast, non-ferrous metals can have more vivid hues, such the silvery sheen of aluminum or the reddish tint of copper.

The conclusion

Making the distinction between ferrous and non-ferrous materials is made easier when you know how much iron is present in a metal.

Tom Gardner