How does the analysis of metals help in CSI?

How does the analysis of metals help in CSI?

Richard Saferstein (Former Chief Forensic Scientist) gives expert video advice on: How does the analysis of metals help in CSI?; How is metal identified and compared in CSI?; How does the analysis of paint help in CSI? and more...

First, we will identify the major composition of the metal. Is it lead? Copper? Then, we will also look to see what the trace elements are that are present in the metal, because all elements are not pure. They contain minute amounts of other elements, other metals, in concentrations that are a percent or less. They do not mean much in terms of the utilization of the metal, but they mean a lot when it comes to comparing that metal to another metal, because those minute traces of elements, or trace elements, serve as a fingerprint for comparison purposes. They are very important points for comparing trace elements, or trace metals, in the forensic analysis.