How to Turn a Penny Gold
Pennies are easily differentiated from other United States coins by their copper color. The color comes from the copper content that is found in virtually all pennies. The color of pennies can be changed from the traditional copper color to a shiny, sparkling gold color. This can be done with the help of moderately inexpensive chemicals and basic lab supplies. The experiment can be used to show the effect of certain chemicals on metal or simply used as a way to spice up the look of your spare change.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Evaporating Dish
- 1/2 Teaspoon Zinc Dust
- Four Teaspoons Liquid Lye
- Hot plate
- Penny
- Tongs
- Distilled water
- Beaker
- Washcloth
- Torch
Instructions
-
-
1
Add 1/2-teaspoon of zinc dust the the bottom of a clean evaporating dish. An evaporating dish is essentially a shallow glass bowl. Add four teaspoons of liquid lye to the zinc. Lye can be found at most hardware stores, but you will likely need to order the zinc dust online.
-
2
Put the evaporating dish on a hot plate. Set the heat to medium-low and wait for the liquid to form small bubbles, but do not let it come to a boil.
-
-
3
Add a penny to the liquid and let it soak for two minutes or until it turns silver. Turn off the heat once the color changes.
-
4
Fill a small beaker or mug with distilled water. You can do this while the penny is soaking in the lye.
-
5
Remove the silver-colored penny from the lye with a pair of tongs. Drop the penny in the distilled water and let it sit for a minute until it cools down. Wipe the penny dry with a clean washcloth and make sure all of the zinc has been wiped away.
-
6
Light a torch and adjust it to a medium flame and place it on a flat, secure surface.
-
7
Hold the penny with the tongs. Hold it a half-inch away from the flame of the torch for 30 seconds or until the penny turns a shiny gold color.
-
8
Drop the penny in the distilled water and let it cool down. Wipe the penny clean.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you do not have a hot plate, you can put the dish on a skillet or griddle and heat it up on a standard stove burner at medium-low heat.
Use safety glasses, gloves and a face mask when handling lye.
Do not inhale zinc dust.
This experiment should only be done under adult supervision.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit penny image by Evan Meyer from Fotolia.com
