Can a Metal Detector Detect Copper?

Ever found a copper penny and wondered if it could be detected underground? Dive into the fascinating world of metal detecting with us as we unravel the secrets of detecting copper!

Can a metal detector detect copper

Every new metal-detecting hobbyist including me has a lot of questions about copper at the start since copper is everywhere and sometimes it’s very distracting.

I have researched about copper metal detection field with my fellow detectorists in Pennsylvania and gained promising results with lots of copper treasures.

So, let’s find out, Can a metal detector detect copper? 

Yes, a metal detector can detect copper since Copper’s high conductivity disrupts the detector’s electromagnetic field, signaling a response when the coil is near the metal. The detection depth varies, but it’s generally up to 4-6 inches for small objects and 12-18 inches for larger ones.

But there’s a lot more to know about copper metal detection.

So, in this article, I’ll explore the best detection method to find copper treasures, the best metal detectors, and some tips and tricks that I’ve learned from experience.

Furthermore, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions well.

Just keep reading!

Copper metal finds when metal detecting
Copper metal finds when metal detecting

Will Metal Detectors Detect Copper?

Yes, metal detectors are able to detect copper since it is a highly conductive metal and it reacts with the electromagnetic signals that are produced by the coil of metal detectors.

Copper is a non-ferrous metal and all the non-ferrous metal can be detected by metal detectors.

Since some of you might be more curious like me, I thought of explaining a little more about how the metal detectors detect copper. 

When the electromagnetic field generated by the metal detector gets disturbed due to the copper metal, it will create signals that can be picked up by the receiver of the detector. 

These signals are then turned into audio or visual indicators.

Detectors give a clear signal once copper is found due to the high conductivity of copper.

Do you know that copper is a non-magnetic metal that can be detected by metal detectors.

Characteristics of Copper metal
Characteristics of Copper metal

Will A Metal Detector Detect Copper Wire?

Yes, A metal detector can find copper wire easily. 

Copper wire also has conductivity and it can disrupt the electromagnetic field of the detector when it is placed near to the detector. 

The detector will then produce signals for identification.

The ability of a metal detector to find copper wire depends on many reasons. Such as,

  • The strength of the magnetic field of the detector
  • The thickness of the copper wire
  • The conductivity of the copper wire
  • Distance between the wire and the detector

But note that if the copper wire is covered up with a non-conductive material such as plastic, the ability of the detector to detect copper wire will be reduced. 

It’s because the non-conductive materials won’t disrupt the electromagnetic field of the detector like conductive materials.

Did you know fact about Detecting Copper
Did you know fact about Detecting Copper

Best Metal Detectors For Copper

The best metal detectors for copper have to be sensitive enough to detect even the low conductivity of copper. 

Here are some of the best detectors that will do the job,

  • Garrett AT Pro
  • Fisher F22
  • Minelab Equinox 800
  • Nokta Makro Simplex+
  • XP Deus
  • Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300
  • Teknetics T2 Classic
  • Whites MX7
  • Minelab Vanquish 540
  • Fisher F75
old Copper container found when metal detecting in UK
Old Copper container found when metal detecting in UK

How To Detect Copper With a Metal Detector?

These are some simple steps that can be followed in order to detect copper. This could also make the search positive.

1. Research the Location Well

It’s important to check the area well that is planned to do the detection. 

Some locations have more copper objects and they could be concentrated into one place where you can find them easily.

Read to know the best places to find copper when metal detecting!

2. Adjust the Detectors Settings 

Check whether your metal detector settings are correct and set to detect copper. 

The settings should be focused on sensitivity, discrimination, and the ground balance.

3. Begin the Detection

Once all the above steps are done, start the detection by sweeping the metal detector in an arc shape back and forth.

Do this in a slow and steady motion. Overlap the sweeps to double-check the area.

4. Stay Alert For the Signals

When the detector signals, it will make a sound while displaying the strength of the signal on the screen.

Use headphones to listen well to the signals so that you’ll not miss anything.

5. Dig the Ground Carefully 

Once the signal locates an area, identify the place accurately using the signal strength and the other features. 

Use the pinpointer to locate the exact spot of the object.

Dig carefully using a tool to avoid any damage. Also, use the fingertips to take off the dirt around the object. 

Remove the object from the location and then detect it once more to make sure there are no more objects.

Put back the remaining soil into the pit and push it well to make the ground firm. This will help it to recover the pit. 

How to detect Copper with a metal detector
How to detect Copper with a metal detector

How Deep Can A Metal Detector Detect Copper?

In general, most metal detectors can detect small copper objects at a depth of 4-6 inches. 

And they can detect large copper objects at greater depths, up to 12-18 inches.

But the copper detection depth of metal detectors depends on different factors. Such as,

  • Size and orientation of the item
  • Soil composition
  • Metal detector’s sensitivity and frequency
Tip for detecting Copper
Tip for detecting Copper

Let’s discuss those metal detectors’ detection factors for copper in detail to get a clear understanding of the correct way of finding copper treasures.

Size and Orientation Of the Copper Item

The size and orientation of the object are important. Larger objects are usually found at greater depths. Smaller objects can be easily found in shallow depths.

The shape and the orientation of the items will also play a role in detection. 

Flat and horizontal objects are easier to find than vertical ones. 

Horizontal objects will bounce back the signals to the metal detector strongly.

Soil Composition 

Highlight mineralized soil can interfere with the detectors. Soil with water or other minerals can make it difficult to detect. 

Metal Detector’s Sensitivity and Frequency 

Low-frequency devices may detect larger targets at deeper depths while high-frequency devices are typically more sensitive to tiny targets.

Advanced discrimination settings, that can differentiate between various metal types and eliminate ground minerals from the detecting process, are also available for use with more sophisticated metal detection.

If you need to know more about detection depths, read my comprehensive guide about, How Deep Can a Metal Detector Detect?

Let’s see what type of copper treasures you can find upon metal detecting.

Valuable Copper Finds

Metal detectorists may discover several kinds of priceless copper findings during their exploration.

Copper Coins

Coins are one of the most common copper finds which are also considered valuable. The age and rarity can significantly increase the value of them. 

US large cents and early British pennies are some examples.

Old Copper coin found when metal detecting
Old Copper coin found when metal detecting

Artifacts 

Copper artifacts like buckles, buttons, and other objects can also be valuable. These are well crafted and their rarity can make them more valuable.

Copper artifact found when metal detecting
Copper artifact found when metal detecting

Jewelry

Antique and vintage copper jewelry pieces are valuable finds. 

These are in high demand among collectors and they can fetch high prices at the auctions.

Ingots

Metal detectorists occasionally discover copper ingots or bars that have been misplaced or buried, however, this is less common.

Depending on their weight, size, and purity, these may be precious.

Relics

Ancient copper artifacts are extremely valuable to collectors and museums. 

For instance, copper artifacts from the Indus Valley, Egypt, and Mesopotamia can fetch up to millions of dollars at auction.

Valuable Copper finds
Valuable Copper finds

Tips For Using Metal Detectors To Find Copper

Apart from the general method of detecting metals, here are some of the tips that I have followed and succeeded in detecting copper more accurately. 

Choose a Detector That is Sensitive to Copper 

Some metal detectors are better and they are specifically created to detect certain types of metals. 

Look for a detector that is specially made to detect copper or has a high sensitivity for the metal.

Use a Small Search Coil

Smaller searching coils can be more effective in finding small copper objects. 

Optimize Settings 

Adjust the settings such as sensitivity and discrimination to maximize the chance of detecting copper. This can be more helpful and accurate.

Know Where to Look

Do thorough research before detecting copper in a location. 

Look for the history, and ask the neighbors and the owner to certify that this location contains copper objects. 

Use a Pinpointer

A pinpointer is a small detecting machine that can be helpful in finding the exact location of a copper object which was located by the metal detector. 

Tip for detecting Copper treasures
Tip for detecting Copper treasures

How To Clean Copper Finds?

Well, I don’t recommend cleaning valuable coins because it can reduce the value of it. Use water if it really needs to be cleaned to some extent. But don’t brush them.

If you find anything copper that is not valuable but you still want to keep, here are some of the methods tried out to clean and preserve your copper finds,

Lemon Juice and Salt

Take half of a lemon and sprinkle salt on the cut side. 

Rub it over the copper object’s surface. Squeeze the lemon juice as it goes. 

The acid will remove the tarnish. Then rinse it with water and dry it with a towel.

Vinegar 

Mix 1:1 parts of vinegar and water. Soak the copper inside the solution and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with water and let it dry.

Baking soda and water

Mix these two to form a paste. Apply it on the object’s surface and leave it for a few minutes. 

The soda will react with the tarnish and loosen it. You can rinse the paste off and let it dry.

Ketchup

You might be wondering why ketchup?. Well, it’s actually a mild acid and can be helpful in removing tarnish. 

Take a small amount of ketchup and apply it to the object. Then rub it with a piece of cloth. Leave it for a while and rinse it with water. 

If you’re interested to learn more about cleaning copper finds, Read to know, How to clean copper coins that are found in metal detecting!

Are Copper Fit Gloves Detectable With A Metal Detector?

Yes, copper-fit gloves can be detected with a metal detector. These gloves contain metal fibers and threads which are made out of copper. 

These can be detected with a metal detector.

These gloves are designed to use the natural properties of copper in order to provide compression and support to the hand and the wrist.

This is why the gloves are made with copper-infused or copper fiber yarns interwoven with the fabric. 

The detection may also depend on the sensitivity of the detector and the amount of copper contained in the gloves. 

Copper jewelry found when metal detecting
Copper jewelry found when metal detecting

Does Copper Set Off Metal Detectors At Airport?

Yes, copper can set off metal detectors at airports as copper is conductive and can be identified at the security screening.

However, the detection will depend on the amount of copper that is contained in the object. If the copper content is much lower, then it would be hardly detectable.

Learn well about airport security measures as they can vary depending on the country, airport, and security protocols. 

Some of the objects will be asked to be removed by security. 

What if you’re wearing copper compression socks at the airport? Will they set off metal detectors? 

Don’t worry! I got you. Read to find out, Do Copper Compression Socks Set Off Metal Detectors?

If you’re a female, better to check out, Does a Copper IUD Set off Metal Detectors before traveling.

How Can You Tell If Something Is Copper Or Bronze?

Copper and bronze are quite similar metals in appearance and they have overlapping characteristics. 

But there are some methods that can be used to identify them separately.

Color Difference

Copper has a reddish-orange color. Bronze has a yellowish brown which is nearly gold. 

Weight

Bronze is denser than copper. So even if two objects look exactly the same and they are made out of bronze and copper, the one with the highest weight is bronze.

Markings

There are labels engraved in the objects separately indicating the metal. 

Bronze objects often have ‘BR’ or ‘Bronze’. Copper objects rarely get any labels.

Magnetism

Copper is not magnetic. But bronze can be magnetic sometimes. This is due to the presence of other metals in bronze. 

Patina

Both copper and bronze can grow patina over time. Both of them are greenish-blue colored. 

But the copper patina is brighter than the bronze one. The bronze patina is more muted in color.

Congrats folks! Now you know everything you need to know about, whether can a metal detector detect copper and the best detection method to identify copper treasures.

Copper ring found when metal detecting in Oregon
Copper ring found when metal detecting in Oregon

About 19.7 million tonnes of copper were produced worldwide in 2020, highlighting the significant role this versatile metal plays in industries ranging from construction to electronics.

www.usgs.gov

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Why is the Statue of Liberty green when it is made out of copper?

It has turned green over time due to oxidation and growth of the patina.

Is copper good for humans?

Yes, copper is an essential nutrient for humans and can be found in seafood, nuts and whole grains.

Is copper recyclable?

Yes. Copper is one of the recyclable metals that can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality.

Can copper be distinguished from other metals with a metal detector?

It is challenging to distinguish copper from other metals using a metal detector as most devices respond to the conductivity of the metal rather than its composition. However, some advanced models with discrimination settings can help differentiate various metal types.

Are copper-infused gloves detectable by metal detectors?

Yes, copper-infused gloves can be detected by metal detectors due to the copper fibers and threads interwoven with the fabric, which disrupt the device’s electromagnetic field.

How can one tell if an object is copper or bronze?

Telling copper and bronze apart can be done by looking at color differences, weight (bronze is denser), engraved markings, magnetism (bronze can sometimes be magnetic), and the color of patina that forms over time (copper patina is brighter).

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Can a Metal Detector Detect Copper?

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed can a metal detector detect copper, the best copper detection method, best metal detectors for copper detection with tips and tricks that I’ve learned from experience.

Copper is a highly conductive metal. And it can easily disrupt the electromagnetic field of the detector. Therefore, a metal detector can detect copper. The only thing is that the coil has to be closer to the metal in order to react with the magnetic field that is generated by the device. 

Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.

Detecting metals is an exciting hobby. And any hobbyist like me would have many questions while doing this.

 I hope that the question of copper metal detection has been answered in a good way. 

If you know something more about copper detecting, let me know in the comments. A little thing can make it a long way.

Hi! I’m the treasure hunter and adventurer behind DetectingTreasures.com. I'm here to share my knowledge, inspire your adventures, and provide practical guides to help you succeed in your own treasure hunting journey. Read More...

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