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There is no 100% surefire way (other than by analysis in a professional laboratory) to know if a Roman ring is bronze, an alloy most commonly defined as being of copper and tin - often with added lead - or brass (another copper alloy, with zinc, which the Romans also used extensively for jewelry; see: http://academia.edu/Documents/in/Aquincum_Roman_finger-rings_Roman_bronze_jewellery_types_of_Roman_finger-rings_copper-based_allo).
However most bronze, when free of tarnish or patina, has a more 'coppery' or warm golden appearance similar to rose gold or high-karat (18K and up) yellow gold, although typically paler; whereas brasses typically are more yellow, usually lacking the coppery 'warmth' of bronze, ofttimes slightly greenish. Of course this requires exposing bare metal, something which probably is not a wise idea on a genuine antiquity as the patina adds to the apparent authenticity and value of the piece.
Bronze and brass patinate differently as well, with bronze typically becoming more of a rich, warm dark brown hue and brass more dull-brown or greenish-brown - but once a heavy green (copper carbonate) patina forms, it's very hard to differentiate the two.
Weight is not diagnostic since both alloy groups are very close in density and may have added elements such as lead.
Adding to the confusion are certain alloys which can be classified as both a brass and a bronze, because they contain both zinc and tin (and often other alloying elements as well) either intentionally, or as impurities. Impurities were common in ancient Metallurgy not only due to lack of strict standards, but also because of extensive recycling as a cost-reduction measure; so one may encounter such 'either/or' alloys as a result. Their characteristics can range the spectrum from one end to the other or anywhere in-between.
What else can I help you with?
Why did the iron age come first?
Because it had a ring to it..Bronze Age, Iron Age etc.
Why is the book of roman legends a primary source?
The book of roman legends are a primary source because they can tell you their their standard of living, customs, believe and tradition.
How did the metal jacket help a roman soldier?
Ancient Roman soldiers often wore some kind of chained mail or its equivalent to protect themselves in battle from swords, daggers & spears. For the more elite members of the legions a breast plate often made of bronze served the same purpose.
Who created bronze statues?
the first person to make a bronze tool It is said that the Greeks were the first to make bronze statues, if that is what you are looking for.
How are Chinese best remembered for the use of bronze?
They use bronze with their war armor
When was Roman Bronze Works created?
Roman Bronze Works was created in 1897.
What is name ancient roman bronze coin?
That is a very tough question to answer. There are several denominations of Roman bronze coins, so for that, I would need more information on the coin.
How was the twelve tables of roman published?
They were inscribed on bronze tablets and displayed at the Roman forum
How much are bronze roman coins worth?
£1,000,000
Who built the the Ring of Brodgar?
Neolithic or early Bronze Age man.
How did Roman Soldiers prove their citizenship?
Roman soldiers had citizenship papers. Sometimes they were carved on to pieces of bronze.
DID Staff Sergeant Roman A Renner receive a Bronze star?
Yes
The material used for construction of the baulk ring?
copper based alloy, Phosphor bronze ;)
What are ancient roman surgical scissors made of?
The examples of Roman surgical scissors that have come down to us are made of bronze.
How can you tell if something is bronze or brass?
You can tell if a statute is made of bronze by pouring a small amount of acid on the statue. Bronze will interact with the acid by making the acid fiss.
Why did the iron age come first?
Because it had a ring to it..Bronze Age, Iron Age etc.
How many medals did Armenia win in 2008 summer Olympics?
Armenia won 6 medals, all bronze, at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing. 1) Roman Amoyan - bronze in men's featherweight class Greco-Roman wrestling. 2) Gevorg Davtyan - bronze in men's middleweight class weightlifting. 3) Hrachik Javakhyan - bronze in men's lightweight class boxing. 4) Tigran G. Martirosyan - bronze in men's lightweight class weightlifting. 5) Tigran V. Martirosyan - bronze in men's light-heavyweight class weightlifting. 6) Yury Patrikeyev - bronze in men's super heavyweight class Greco-Roman wrestling.
