When copper is exposed to oxygen, it forms molecules called copper oxide that make pennies look dirty. Pouring vinegar over the pennies helps break up this copper oxide and expose the pure copper on the penny. As the penny dries and is exposed to the air, a chemical reaction occurs and the penny turns green!
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- Is brass plated rust proof? Brass does not rust for the same reason as aluminum. It has a negligible amount of iron in it. Therefore, no iron oxide, or rust, can form. However, copper can form a blue-green patina on its surface when exposed to oxygen over time.
- What is the green stuff on brass? When you see that green layer on these metals (usually called patina or verdigris) it's because of a chemical reaction. The copper has reacted with oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Brass is an alloy that's usually made up of 67% copper and 33% zinc.
- Does dried blood stay red? Over time, spilled blood that starts out red turns darker and darker as it dries, and its hemoglobin breaks down into a compound called methemoglobin. As time passes, dried blood continues to change, growing even darker thanks to another compound called hemichrome.
- What kind of metal turns green with age? Copper naturally turns green over time as it reacts with oxygen in the air – a chemical reaction known as oxidation.
- Are Indian head pennies worth anything? Since the bronze composite 1877 Indian Head Penny is so hard to come by, it's in the top five of the most valuable Indian Head pennies. A good quality penny is worth $1,003, while a proof coin is worth nearly $3,000. If you somehow have a brilliant uncirculated mint condition copy, expect to earn $5,000.
- What is the green on brass? When you see that green layer on these metals (usually called patina or verdigris) it's because of a chemical reaction. The copper has reacted with oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Brass is an alloy that's usually made up of 67% copper and 33% zinc.