How to Identify the Real Copper Water Bottle

The copper water pitcher is a stylish alternative to regular water bottles and is touted for its many health benefits. While most of these claims have not been verified, there is some evidence that copper water pitchers have antibacterial abilities. ^{[1] X Research Sources} If you just bought a copper water bottle, do some home testing to make sure it’s a worthwhile item and not a fake. We will give you 9 ways to tell if your copper vase is pure copper.

Table of Contents

Find the orange-red color of copper

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Copper is orange-red instead of silver or golden. Real copper absorbs green-blue light, so it produces the characteristic reddish-orange hue. Look at the vase under the light – if it’s not orange-red, it’s most likely not real bronze. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Check the jar with a magnet

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Copper is not attracted to any type of magnet. ^{[3] X Research Source} To test the vase, find a magnet – any type will do. Check to see if the jar sticks to the magnet; if yes, your vase is definitely not made of copper. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Even if your vase passes the magnet test, it doesn’t guarantee it’s copper, but it’s a good start.

Measure with a multimeter

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Copper has a resistivity of 1.7 x 10⁻⁸ Ohm/m. ^{[5] X Research Source} Test your flask with a multimeter to see what the resistivity is. Calibrate a multimeter to “ohms”—this is a unit of resistance and is denoted by the Greek letter omega. Adjust the multimeter to the lowest setting and place both red and black probes on the flask and take the resistivity readings. If the measurement is 1.7 x 10⁻⁸, you can be sure that your vase is real copper. ^{[6] X Trusted Source Science Buddies Go to Source}

You can buy an ohmmeter at hardware stores.

Calculate specific gravity

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Real copper has a density of 8.96 g/cm³. Fill the jar with water to find out its volume, i.e. how much liquid it can hold. You will then place the jar on the scale to measure its mass in grams. Divide the mass measurement by the volume – typically, real copper has a density of about 8.96 g/cm³. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

For example, if your vase weighs 1,000 g and holds 2,400 cm³ of water, its density will be only 0.42 g/cm³—so it’s not real copper.

Tap the surface of the jar to hear the sound

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Real copper produces a smooth sound. Give it a quick tap on the surface of the pitcher – do you hear the jingle? Real copper has a smooth and resonant sound, not a crisp sound. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Find the cyan blobs

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Copper will turn cyan when exposed to environmental elements. Cyan spots are called patina (copper rust), which helps prevent corrosion. If you notice the cyan patina on the vase, you can believe it’s made of real bronze. ^{[9] X Research Source}

If it’s brand new, you probably won’t find any cyan spots.

Feel the vase for dents

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Copper is a fairly soft metal and can have some imperfections. If you are using an old copper vase, chances are it will have dents and dents. Rub your hand over the surface of the jar – if it’s completely flat, your vase may not be pure copper. ^{[10] X Research Source}

You probably won’t see any dents or defects if it’s a new copper vase.

Find the code

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Copper is not registered or controlled by the unified numbering system (UNS). UNS denotes certain metals and alloys with a specific number. Copper is not regulated or labeled in this system – if you see a series of numbers or letters on the jar it is probably not made of copper. ^{[11] X Research Source}

UNS uses the letter “C” on some of their stamps, but it doesn’t mean the vase is made of copper. That “C” is just part of their numbering system.

Buy bottles from a reputable place

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Shopping savvy can help you avoid buying a fake. Online shops often claim that they sell pure copper vases, but it is possible that it is a fake. To buy a good quality product, you should find a reputable copper seller instead of buying a dose in a place you do not know well.

If you buy a copper water pitcher online, double-check customer reviews first.

Warning

Copper pitchers look nice, but copper can leach into drinking water. ^{[12] X Research Source} If a lot of copper is absorbed into the water, you may experience diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. ^{[13] X Research Source}
Don’t leave the water in a copper vessel overnight or hold acidic water like orange juice. This can increase the risk of copper seeping into the water. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Steps