This lesson explores Nordic Gold, the copper-based alloy (a modern brass) used in the €0.10 coin. Students will analyze its composition and learn how alloying elements contribute to durability and resistance in modern coinage.
Objectives
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Identify the composition of Nordic Gold and its functional properties.
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Recognize the role of zinc, aluminum, and tin in enhancing mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.
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Interpret XRF spectra to detect the alloy’s elemental peaks, including the challenge of measuring light elements such as aluminum.
Materials
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Sample of a 10 cent euro coin
Lesson Plan
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Introduce Nordic Gold as a modern brass alloy.
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Discuss its elemental composition: copper (89%), zinc (5%), aluminum (5%), tin (1%).
Discover the composition and properties of Nordic Gold, the copper-based alloy used in €0.10 coins, through non-destructive XRF analysis. This module explores the roles of zinc, aluminum, and tin in enhancing strength and corrosion resistance, and demonstrates how spectral peaks—including often challenging light elements—reveal the alloy’s true makeup.
