Can Metal Detectors Detect Non Magnetic Metals?

Ever wondered if your metal detector can find that elusive gold nugget or a lost silver heirloom? Read on to unlock the mysteries of detecting non-magnetic metals!

In my 15 years of metal detecting journey, one thing I often wonder is whether metal detectors can detect non-magnetic metals.

During a friendly chat with a friend, he too asked me the same question, at that point, I realized that there are many things beneath the surface that I have yet to discover in my metal detecting journey.

So I researched this and wanted to share it with you all too.

So, let’s find out, Can Metal Detectors Detect Non Magnetic Metals?

Yes, metal detectors can detect non-magnetic metals such as gold, silver, and aluminum. The detection is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where the metal detector’s coil generates an electromagnetic field that interacts with the metal, producing a detectable eddy current.

Now you may think you know everything about non-magnetic metals and metal detectors. 

Well, wait a minute! You are wrong, you may be aware that this is a handful of coins in a large warehouse.

So, in this article, I’ll explore whether can metal detectors detect non-magnetic metals and I’ll share with you the things I found while doing this research. Plus, I’ll tell you the challenges I faced during the research.

Let’s move on!

What are Non-Magnetic Metals?

Non-magnetic metals are a class of materials that do not exhibit magnetic properties. We can see that these metals cannot be magnetized by external magnetic fields and are not attracted to magnets as a special feature.

Do you know the reason why non-magnetic metals are not attracted to magnets?

The reason is that the atomic and electronic structures of these metals are so misaligned that they cannot generate a magnetic field.

The main non-magnetic metals I have found in my journey include gold, silver, aluminum, brass, zinc, copper, and bronze.

Let’s look into them in more detail.

• Gold is a rare soft metal that is not chemically reactive. This is especially used to create jewelry, coins, and architectural pieces as we know them.
• Silver is a shiny metal. It combines with copper to create sterling silver. Did you know that silver is the best metal light reflector? It is because of its high sensitivity to light.
• Zinc is a silvery metal with a blue-white color. Zinc is usually used to prevent rust. It is also mixed with other metals such as iron for galvanizing.
• Copper is a metal with excellent electrical conductivity and great resistance to corrosion. Also, copper acts as an essential material in electrical wiring, electronics and telecommunications.

Above I have simply mentioned some non-magnetic metals that you should be aware of and that we may come across in our day-to-day life.

Do Metal Detectors Detect Non-Magnetic Metals?

Yes, metal detectors can detect non-magnetic metals.

Generally, metal detectors are designed to detect any type of metal, whether magnetic or non-magnetic. 

Although you may not know, the principle of detection of metal detectors is based on the electrical conductivity of the metal.

When a metallic object enters the electromagnetic field produced by the coil of the metal detector, an electric current is created in the metal. 

This is due to electromagnetic induction.

It affects the original electromagnetic field of the metal detector because the current produced generates its own magnetic field.

Non-magnetic metals that are easily detected by metal detectors include aluminum, copper, brass, gold, and silver as excellent conductors of electricity.

How Do Metal Detectors Detect Non Magnetic Metals?

Now you have the problem of How Metal Detectors Detect Non-Magnetic Metals.

As you know the principles of electromagnetic induction and electrical conductivity are mostly used in the detection of non-magnetic metals.

While non-magnetic metals generally do not exhibit magnetic properties, they are capable of conducting electricity.

I will show you how electrical conductivity works to detect non-magnetic metals in metal detectors;

1. Electromagnetic Field Emission

First, did you know that when an electric current flows through a metal detector, an electromagnetic field is generated? 

This coil in a metal detector is usually placed inside the search head of the metal detector.

2. Electromagnetic Field Interaction

Although you don’t know it, the electromagnetic field emitted by the coil penetrates the area being scanned. 

Then if there is a metallic object within the range of the electromagnetic field, it will interact with the field.

3. Electromagnetic Induction

Usually, the presence of a metal object causes a disturbance in the electromagnetic field. 

As you have learned, according to the law of electromagnetic induction, this disturbance induces a secondary electric current within the metal object itself. 

Did you know this secondary current is called an “eddy current“.

4. Eddy Currents and Resistance

Eddy currents in the metal object oppose the original electromagnetic field. This causes a temporary change in the strength of the overall electromagnetic field. 

This change is detected by the metal detector circuit.

5. Signal Detection

What you need to know here is that the circuit of this metal detector is designed to detect these changes in the electromagnetic field. 

In order for it to indicate the presence of a metallic object, the circuit must sense a disturbance caused by eddy currents.

Magnetic Vs. Non-Magnetic Metals

Here are some things you need to know about the differences between magnetic and non-magnetic metals that I have discovered in my journey.

Characteristic	Magnetic Metals	Non-Magnetic Metals
Attraction to Magnets	Yes, can be magnetized by external magnetic fields	No, can’t be magnetized by external magnetic fields
Examples	Nickel, Iron, Cobalt	Gold, Aluminum, Copper
Magnetic Properties	Exhibits strong magnetic properties	Completely lack of magnetic properties
Interference with Electronic Devices	Can interfere with electronic devices and magnetic equipment	Do not interfere with electronic devices and magnetic equipment
Industrial Applications	Heavy machinery, magnetic storage media, transformers	Wiring, electronics, aerospace, telecommunications

What Non-Magnetic Metals Can be Detected by Metal Detectors?

I will now share with you a list of non-magnetic metals that can be detected by metal detectors that I discovered during my research.

Electrical conductivity helps to identify non-magnetic metals. 

Here are some of the non-magnetic metals that can be detected by metal detectors,

• Brass
• Nickel Silver
• Copper
• Aluminum
• Silver
• Gold
• Lead
• Zinc
• Platinum
• Tin
• Bronze

Now, I’ll tell you through the details of some of the non-magnetic metals that can be detected by metal detectors.

Brass

Did you know that brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is used to make musical instruments? 

In particular, my research revealed that the non-magnetic nature of brass affects the effective detection of brass objects by metal detectors.

Read to know, Can Metal Detectors Detect Brass?

Here are the Best Places to Find Brass when Metal Detecting

Nickel-Silver

This is an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. This metal is widely used for making silverware and musical instruments. 

Copper 

Due to the excellent electrical conductivity found in copper, copper is used in metal detectors to detect objects. 

Copper is also used to make electrical wires, electronic equipment, and plumbing.

Read to know,  Can a Metal Detector Detect Copper?

Here are the Best Places to Find Copper when Metal Detecting

Aluminum

This metal is light and does not rust, so it is easy to find in fields such as construction and packaging. 

Metal detectors can easily detect things made of aluminum, such as cans and foil.

Read to know Does Aluminum Set Off Metal Detectors?

Here are the Best Places to Find Aluminum when Metal Detecting

Silver 

Silver is a precious metal used for various decorative items like jewelry and coins. It can easily be detected by your metal detector with fine adjustments.

Read to know Does Silver Set Off Metal Detectors?

Here are the Best Places To Find Silver Coins when Metal  Detecting

Gold

Gold is the most precious metal and is widely used in jewelry, coins, and artifacts. 

These metal detectors are used by treasure diggers and prospectors to find gold nuggets or gold-bearing material.

Read to know Does Gold Set Off Metal Detectors?

Here are the Best Places to Find Gold Metal Detecting

Lead

One thing that should not be forgotten when talking about lead is its high density and good corrosion resistance. 

But nowadays, due to environmental problems, its general use has been greatly reduced.

Read to know Can Metal Detectors Detect Lead?

Here are the Best Places to Find Lead Metal Detecting

Zinc

We can usually detect zinc in galvanized coatings, batteries, and alloys in everyday life. 

Read to know Can Metal Detectors Detect Zinc?

Here are the Best Places to Find Zinc Metal Detecting

Platinum

Platinum metal is used in jewelry and industrial applications. This is a precious metal and metal detectors are capable of detecting it.

Read to know Can Metal Detectors Detect Platinum?

Here are the Best Places to Find Platinum Metal Detecting

Tin

Tin is generally considered to be non-magnetic. 

It does not have ferromagnetic properties, meaning it is not attracted to magnets in the way that materials like iron or nickel are. 

Despite being non-magnetic, tin can usually be detected by metal detectors, depending on the sensitivity and specific technology of the device. 

Most metal detectors are capable of detecting a wide range of metals, including non-magnetic metals like tin.

Read to know Does Tin Foil Set Off Metal Detectors?

Here are the Best Places To Find Tin Metal Detecting

Bronze

Bronze is generally considered to be non-magnetic. Bronze is an alloy typically made of copper and tin, and neither of these constituent metals is magnetic. 

Bronze does not exhibit ferromagnetic properties, meaning it is not attracted to magnets like iron, cobalt, or nickel. 

It can be detected by metal detectors depending on the sensitivity and specific technology used in the device.

Read to know Can Metal Detectors Detect Bronze?

Here are the Best Places to Find Bronze Metal Detecting

Did you know that these non-magnetic metals can vary in their electrical conductivity? This difference affects how easily they can be detected by metal detectors.

These metal detectors have adjustable settings to optimize sensitivity to different types of metals.

Best Metal Detectors to Detect Non-Magnetic Metals

I know now you are thinking that if non-magnetic metals can be detected by metal detectors, what the best metal detectors are composed for that?

Do not be nervous! I have brought the answer to all these questions of yours.

During my exploration, I found several metal detectors known to effectively detect non-magnetic metals. 

Choosing the best metal detector depends on several factors such as your budget, intended use, and the specific features you are looking for.

Below are some metal detectors that I recommend for you to detect non-magnetic metals.

Garrett AT Pro

As the most versatile metal detector, you’ll find on the market, it can be used in a variety of environments including fresh and saltwater without issue. 

It has special discrimination capabilities to detect non-magnetic metals.

Fisher F75

It is famous among metal detectors for its sensitivity and ability to detect small and deep targets. 

It is ideal for both beginners and experienced detectorists and makes it easy to detect non-magnetic metals.

Minelab Equinox 800

Did you know the Equinox 800 is designed to handle a wide range of conditions and targets? 

It is a very popular metal detector among metal detectorists due to its advanced technology and versatility.

XP Deus

XP Deus is popular among metal detectors because of its lightweight design and customizability.

White’s TreasurePro

This White TreasurePro metal detector is specially designed for beginners and intermediate users.

Nokta Makro Simplex+

Nokta Makro Simplex+ is especially known for its waterproof design. Therefore, this is a good choice for beach hunting.

As you read this, it’s important to remember that metal detectors can vary based on individual preferences and specific needs.

Tips for Detecting Non-Magnetic Metals

I’ll give some tips along with what I’ve used and the challenges I’ve faced in detecting non-magnetic metals.

• The first thing is to make sure your metal detector is suitable for detecting non-magnetic metals.
• Second, familiarize yourself with your metal detector’s manual.
• A third important point is to research the history of the place you intend to search.
• You should use your metal detector’s discrimination feature to ignore unwanted signals from iron or other unwanted metals when searching.
• Adjust your metal detector’s sensitivity settings based on the conditions in the search area.
• Pay attention to the audio and visual signals your metal detector provides when it encounters non-magnetic metal.

Remember that successful metal detecting requires practice and a solid understanding of your equipment.

Congrats folks! Now you have a crystal clear idea about can metal detectors detect non-magnetic metals with practical examples.

Approximately 20 million tons of copper were produced globally in 2020, much of it used in electrical applications due to its non-magnetic properties.

pubs.usgs.gov

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Can Metal Detectors Detect Non-Magnetic Metals?

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed can metal detectors detect non-magnetic metals with metal types and what properties of metals are useful when detecting them.

Plus, I’ve shared some tips and tricks to make your non-magnetic metal detection a lot easier.

You can detect non-magnetic metals using metal detectors. But there are metal detectors specially designed for this purpose. The size, content, and sensitivity of the metal detector, as well as other variables, will all affect how well a metal detector can find non-magnetic metals.

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

Hope you’ve learned everything you wanted to know about can metal detectors detect non-magnetic metals with my own personal experiences.

Now it’s time to do the research by yourself and go hunting non-magnetic metals. Happy hunting!