Is yours magnetic? If so it's probably zinc-plated steel with a thin golden electroplating of some sort (or maybe anodization). If not, it's probably aluminum.
73 John
There are gold irridite after treatments for cadmium plating that give the plated steel chassis a golden sheen, resembling the nicotine preservative often given by self sacrificing amateurs. While true cad plating is done far less nowdays over environmental issues the golden irridite is still availble . Many of the new bolts used in auotomotive applications are now gold irridite finished . (AKA Zinc Dihromate)
BTW: "Alodine" is a trademark for an iridite conversion product. It is supplied by other makers as well.
