Fools Gold or Real Treasure?

[lostopportunity]

In Florida I saw something shiny in the sand at the water line. I pulled it out and it was yellow metal like brass or gold. It had a lot of wear and I could not tell what shape it was originally. It was about a one foot long rod about 1/2" in diameter that had a solid curved 180 degree half circle at one end. It weighed about 1.5 pounds. The surface was unevenly worn but shiny with no evidence of any oxidation or patina. Although it was not as brilliant as a piece of jewelry, it was a shiny gold in color throughout the surface and through to the inside. You could tell it had been sand worn over many many years. I brought it home and kept it for years but finally through it out a few years ago, figuring it was a piece of brass that was kept shiny by being polished by the sand.
My question is, can brass stay shiny in the ocean for decades by being polished by the currents and sand? Are there any other metals that can stay shiny yellow in the ocean? My final question is: Is there Fool's Gold in the ocean or was I the Fool.
I really would appreciate it if an experienced treasure diver could give me your honest opinion or ideas about this.
Thanks so much

 

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[IMAUDIGGER]

Not a diver.
Weight is the easiest way to differentiate brass from gold.

Density of brass is approx 0.303 lbs per cubic inch.
Density of gold is approx 0.698 lbs per cubic inch.

So 3.1416 x (.25" x .25") = .1963 Sq. Inches x say 13.50" L = 2.65 cubic inches.

2.65 cubic inches x .303 lbs/cubic inch= 0.8 lbs Brass
2.65 cubic inches x .698 lbs/cubic inch= 1.8 lbs Gold (2.2 Troy pounds)

That would be approx. $34,000 in gold with nothing added for treasure value.
I'm sure someone will call me out if my quick calculation is in error.

Gold is noticeable because of how much heavier it is from the metals we typically encounter.

 

[A2coins]

Wow I would have left skid marks on my way to a jeweler the day I found it is it soft like gold dent easy

 

[Toecutter]

daaaang threw it away.....wow, hopefully you dont make a habit of throwing yellow metal away.....wont you be..... my neighbor

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

Unless you threw it out in your yard somewhere there's not much that can be done now other than get a metal detector and detect that same beach after each storm.

I'd say you probably would have noticed if it weighed over twice what it would be if it was steel.
That would have jumped out at you..man this thing is heavy!

Have you done any research to see if there are any known ship wrecks off the coast of this beach?

 

[Argentium]

Since you chucked it, I'm gonna say with certainty - It was High Karat Gold ! Nice Find , tragic discard !!

 

[lostopportunity]

I appreciate all your replies, but the one question I'm most concerned about has not been answered. Does anyone know if there is other known metals that can rest under the sea for many years and keep a bright yellow finish, (maybe from being polished with currents and sand)?? I ask this because I actually saw two other pieces that day gleaming through the sand that I did not uncover. It was ten years ago, but I remember right where it was and it was way off the beaten track. I am in a very bad way financially right now after taking care of my mother who had alzheimer's, (24/7 for 8 years), and that's what got me thinking about that item. Mom passed away last year and I would be able to go back to look for those other pieces I saw. I don't know how big the other pieces were as they were just showing slightly through the sand just like the piece I pulled out. Thanks for your replies.

 

[Argentium]

Sounds like this story might have a happy end ( sorry about the loss of your mother ) I'd have a go - see if you can bag a few more - I would keep very quiet about the location .

 

[BC1969]

Woof!