Is there a test a person can do (without destroying the item) to see if it's solid copper?

Question

I thought solid copper was copper all the way through, like copper piping, but when I scratch the firepit, there's metal underneath. Does that mean the company I bought this from scammed me, albeit unintentionally.

Answer 1

An easy test would be to take a magnet to it. Copper is not magnetic and if the magnet sticks, the copper is definitely plated

Answer 2

Copper might not withstand the heat of a firepit. It has a lower melting point than iron or steel. Yes, solid copper is copper all the way through, like copper pipe. It might be copper plated or copper clad.....

Answer 3

You can see if it is magnetic. Copper is not magnetic, so if a magnet sticks then it is not solid copper. Of course, this will only work if the metal other than copper is magnetic, but chances are it's a magnetic metal. My suggestion would be to use a rather strong magnet so that it can work through the copper.