Which metals are magnetic? Gold, silver, aluminium and more
Short answer: a magnet only sticks to ferromagnetic metals: iron, steel, cast iron, nickel, cobalt and some stainless steel grades (such as 430). Not magnetic are gold, silver, platinum, copper, brass, bronze, aluminium, zinc, tin, lead and titanium. A zinc, copper or aluminium gutter is therefore not magnetic, and neither is brass door hardware.
Overview per metal
| Metal | Magnetic? | Where you find it |
|---|---|---|
| Iron, steel, cast iron | yes | beams, cabinets, radiators, garage doors |
| Galvanised steel | yes (the zinc layer is thin) | fencing, gutter brackets, lamp posts, scaffold tubes |
| Chrome-plated steel | yes | tools, car bumpers |
| Nickel, cobalt | yes | alloys, coatings |
| Stainless steel 430, 410, 420 | yes | fridge doors, knives |
| Stainless steel 304, 316 | no (sometimes slightly after working) | worktops, marine fittings; see is stainless steel magnetic? |
| Aluminium | no | window frames, profiles, caravans |
| Zinc / titanium zinc | no | gutters, downpipes |
| Copper, brass, bronze | no | pipes, hardware, gutters |
| Gold, silver, platinum | no | jewellery |
| Lead, tin, titanium | no | roofs, solder, implants |
Practical example: hanging Christmas lights with magnets
Hanging Christmas lights with hook magnets is handy: no nails or adhesive hooks. But it only works on steel. A zinc or copper gutter is not magnetic. The brackets that hold the gutter, however, are often made of galvanised steel, and a small hook magnet will stick to them. Steel window frames, garage doors, fencing, steel canopies and lamp posts are also suitable. Test with a loose magnet first.
- For a light string: small hook magnets Ø13 – Ø16 mm (approx. 6 – 9 kg) are more than enough.
- On a painted garage door or car: a rubber hook magnet, so the paint is not damaged.
- Outdoors: remove the magnets after the holidays and let them dry, or choose rubber. See can magnets be used outdoors?
Testing gold and silver with a magnet
Real gold and silver are not magnetic. If a piece of jewellery sticks to a strong neodymium magnet, it contains iron or nickel and is not (solid) gold or silver. Conversely, a non-magnetic piece does not prove it is genuine: brass, copper and gold-plated aluminium are not magnetic either. Some white gold alloys with nickel react very slightly. The magnet test is therefore a first check, not proof of authenticity.
And coins?
- 1, 2 and 5 euro cents: copper-plated steel, so magnetic.
- 10, 20 and 50 euro cents: "Nordic gold" (copper, aluminium, zinc, tin), not magnetic.
- 1 and 2 euro: slightly magnetic due to a nickel layer in the coin.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a magnet attract steel but not aluminium?
Only in ferromagnetic metals can the magnetic moments of the atoms align together. See how does a magnet work?
How do I make a non-magnetic surface suitable for a magnet?
Glue or screw a steel plate or strip onto it, or use two magnets on either side. See how do you mount a magnet?
