Identifying Different Metals By Their Spark

[7HC]

I found this while wandering around the internet; looks like something useful to know.

Here's the link to the pic if it's too small to see in this post.

http://www.scrapmetaljunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/sparktest.jpg


M

 

[OakRidgeGuy]

Just book marked that in my tips and tricks folder

 

[12bolts]

Just be aware that under different lighting conditions sparks may display different colours from those indicated and at times the physical appearance of the sparks themselves may vary.

Cheers Phil

 

[Tom Griffin]

That's a nice chart, but the spark test requires a lot of experience to use effectively. It's an acquired skill that needs to be learned by practicing with known specimens and unless practiced regularly it will soon be forgotten.

Tom

 

[cazclocker]

Thanks for that - I just bookmarked it into my tips & tricks folder, too!

 

[JBrentMac]

That's a nice chart, but the spark test requires a lot of experience to use effectively. It's an acquired skill that needs to be learned by practicing with known specimens and unless practiced regularly it will soon be forgotten.

Tom

I agree, having a known material, or several, to compare it to certainly helps get a more specific identification. especially for the untrained eye. however having that chart to reference isn't a bad idea either. the more information you have to draw from the better.

 

[Metalmann]

That was one of the first things I would teach in the old days.

Always great to expand your horizons.