All the copper beads on this page are solid copper. They are 99% copper as I suppose there is always a chance something else got in there and I think that is just said to cover all eventualities. If you would like to learn about using copper or have the turning green fear read this article in my blog on the subject. At full discount they work out to 11 cents a gram. Copper is also becoming expensive and there are "solid" copper beads being distributed that are an alloy with less expensive metals. Be sure to have a supplier you trust so you know that your copper does not have lead or nickel in it. I know the manufacturers of this copper.