Gold Acid Test Kit? The 191 Correct Answer

Gold is one of the most valuable metals out there and it comes in a variety of colors and styles. If you have gold jewelry yourself, it is important that you know how to test gold at home to find out if the gold is pure or not, as not all gold is necessarily real gold. It can be gilded, gold dipped, or even gold filled, which is different from real gold. When you receive a piece of gold jewelry, it usually comes with a mark that indicates the purity of the gold, measured in carats. Depending on the purity, it can be either 10,000, 14,000, 18,000, 22,000 or 24,000. If your gold isn’t hallmarked, you certainly need to test it.

Before we start explaining the methods of testing gold at home, let’s get a few things straight. When you receive a piece of gold it doesn’t have to be in its purest form, jewelers usually mix other metals into the gold to make it more durable. Real gold in its purest form is a soft metal that bends easily. Because of this, you need to know what karat gold you have in your possession.

How do you test gold with vinegar?

One way you can test whether or not your gold is pure is to use vinegar. There are many ways you can use this method and the good thing is that there is no way it can damage your jewelry unless it is not pure gold. All you have to do is get the piece of jewelry you want to test and some white vinegar. Put your jewelry on a table or hold it in your hand, pour some white vinegar directly on the metal (a dropper can also be used), if the jewelry’s metal changes color, it is not pure gold and if it then continues to shine You have real gold in your hand.

You can also fill a cup or jar with white vinegar and drop your gold into it, let it soak for 5-8 minutes, remove and rinse with water. If the metal has changed color even slightly then the gold is not pure, but if it continues to shine then the gold is pure.

Use makeup to test gold at home

Another way to test your gold at home is to use a liquid foundation. It might not be as reliable as other sources when it comes to testing your gold, but it’s good enough to know if the gold is real or fake. Pour some of the liquid foundation onto your hand, blend into your skin and allow to dry. Take your gold and rub it onto the area where you applied the primer. If this area turns black or rubbing the gold leaves a black spot, it is obvious that the gold is pure. But if rubbing the gold does not affect the applied area, we are sorry to report that the gold is not real.

How can you tell if something is gold plated?

The most trusted way to test if something is gold plated or solid gold is an acid test. For the acid test, take a small piece of jewelry or scratch a tiny piece into your gold with a small needle, take a dropper from the acid kit and fill it with acid. Now use this dropper to inject that scratch with a small drop of acid. The scratched part is likely to change color in response to the reaction with the acid. Look carefully to see what color it has changed to and match it to the color chart included in the acid kit. Not only will this tell you if the gold was fake or real, it will also help you identify the actual metal it is. To test your gold at home using this method, you will need an acid test kit, which is available at jewelry stores and even online. The acid test is also used to determine the karat of gold. If you decide to use this method, please read the instructions in the kit carefully before starting the procedure.

Test gold with the float test

The easiest way to find out if the gold is real or not is to do a float test. It is the easiest way as only a glass of water is required for administration. Take a cup or glass, fill it up with water and now bring the gold you want to test. Drop it into this filled glass. If the gold floats it’s certainly not real, but if the gold sinks to the bottom of the glass then it’s pure gold. The real gold will sink as it is a heavy metal.

Test gold with the magnet test

One way to test if your gold is real or not is the magnet test. For this test you will need a stronger magnet than the usual one you have at home. Take your gold that you want to test and place it on a wooden surface. Gradually bring the magnet closer to the gold. If the gold is attracted to the magnet it is not real gold, but if the gold is indifferent to the magnet then it is indeed real. If the gold you are testing has a clasp, only the clasp may be attracted to the magnet as some jewelry does not have clasps made of gold.

HOW TO TELL IF GOLD IS REAL

Jewelry professionals and seasoned investors know how to test gold for authenticity. This is because gold has unique physical and chemical properties. So when it comes to gold bars or jewelry, knowledge is power!

In this article we will examine how you can test gold at home. There are several tests to choose from when testing gold at home. These include the magnifying glass test, stamp test, skin test, makeup test, swim test, scratch test, magnet test, acid test and more. You need to know if your gold is real and if so, how fine it is. Read on to see how you can DIY.

BEWARE! TODAY FAKE GOLD IS EVERYWHERE.

Gold may be stamped with a specific mark of purity, but it is not always an accurate certification of its actual gold grade. Some low quality gold products are incorrectly marked with higher grades. There are also gold-plated fakes that are filled with different metals under the plating. Other times, you may have an unmarked piece of gold. To understand its real value, you need to authenticate it.

These factors are why it is so important that you know how to tell if your gold is real. It helps you protect your investments, accurately value your property, and ensure you get exactly the gold you paid for.

This guide has been created to provide you with all the information you need to carry out various tests before or after buying your gold bar. You may be wondering, “How do I test gold at home or with a professional?” Or you may be wondering, “How can I tell if gold is real?” There are many tests for gold, some of which you can do yourself at home can perform!

This Bullion Exchanges guide will show you how to avoid buying counterfeit gold products by following a few simple steps. But before proceeding to specific gold testing phases, let’s review its history and key characteristics.

THE LEGACY OF GOLD

Gold is a symbol of success and high status. It has a long history of praise dating back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians discovered this precious metal as early as 2600 BC. mined. Since that time, the world has used gold to make jewellery, coins and other forms of currency exchange.

Gold can be difficult to find and typically less than 50 grams of gold can be extracted from a ton of gold. This is one of the many reasons why it is an exclusive and luxurious precious metal.

GOLD PROPERTIES

First, let’s recall the chemical properties of gold. The chemical symbol for gold is Au. Gold is a durable metal because it…

Resistant to oxidation. It will not tarnish or rust unlike copper, brass, silver, aluminum etc.

Nonmagnetic. Magnets do not work effectively on gold. If your “gold” jumps on a magnet, it’s not real gold. Unlike iron, nickel or cobalt, which are highly magnetic and are used for permanent magnets, very weak magnetic forces are involved in gold.

High thermal and electrical conductivity. This means it is an excellent conductor of electricity as it does not tarnish or corrode easily. This makes gold indispensable in electronics.

Only soluble in nitrohydrochloric acid. Gold cannot be dissolved by single acids, but it does react to a concentrated mixture of acids: nitrohydrochloric acid. Nitric acid, also called aqua regia, is a mixture of 75% nitric acid and 25% hydrochloric acid that is yellow-orange in color.

Malleable. Gold can be pressed into very thin sheets that can be used for infrared reflection (by evaporating the sheets onto glass), as fillings for teeth, etc.

stretchy. Gold can be drawn into thin wires for circuits such as transistors. It is useful as a brazing alloy, industrial solder and in orthodontic appliances, in the manufacture of jet engines, etc.

sectile. This means that it is a relatively soft metal. To combat its weakness, it must be alloyed with other metals such as silver, nickel, copper, or platinum.

Because gold is sparkling, its alloys are usually measured using the karat system. A carat is the unit equal to 1/24th of the real gold in the alloy. So if you see 24K it means it is pure gold. An 18 karat gold item indicates that it is only 18 parts pure gold plus 6 parts other metals.

You can also determine gold using the millesimal fineness system. The purity of gold is indicated by “parts per thousand” of real gold by mass in the alloy. Examine the gold purity chart below which shows the differences between these two scales and the actual percentage of gold grade.

Remember, items less than 10,000 karat are not considered commercial gold products by US standards.

Gold purity chart – karat and millesimal fineness systems

Gold purity chart – karat and millesimal fineness systems

% of Gold Grade Carat System Millesimal Fineness System 33.3 8K 333 37.5 9K 375 41.7 10K 417 58.3 14K 583 (585) 62.5 15K 625 75.0 18K 750 83.3 20K 833 87.5 21K 875 2.962 91.612 916 915%

HOW CAN I TEST GOLD AT HOME?

Now that you know the properties of gold, the following tests will help you determine if your gold is genuine and what its true purity is. Below are the most common ways to test gold and you should always do more than one to test your gold. These include simple procedures from testing gold at home to using gold testing machines to get the most accurate results. First, let’s start with DIY gold tests.

THE LUPE TEST

The magnifying glass test is the first home gold test you can do when trying to verify the authenticity of your gold products. This test is straightforward as it only requires your gold bar or gold jewelry and a magnifying glass.

This test requires you to carefully examine your gold item with the magnifying glass to find some important visual clues about it. These include:

Any signs of discoloration. As mentioned in this article on precious metal care, gold is chemically inert. This means that gold does not react to any environmental influences. So if you spot discoloration on your item, it indicates counterfeit gold plating or gold plating over another material. This becomes particularly clear when you discover other metal under the discolored areas.

color and shine. Real gold is a beautiful soft yellow color and not very shiny. If your piece of gold is too shiny, too yellow, or some other hue (usually reddish), then it’s not pure gold.

The mark of purity. This is the most important indication of the value of your item. The fineness mark can be either in thousandths fineness or in the carat system as mentioned above. For example, if you own the purest gold, you should see a hallmark of 999 or 24K somewhere on the item. You can usually find these on rings on the inside of the band. Note, however, that this engraving could also be fake. Therefore, you should conduct further tests to authenticate your item. The purity mark is a good starting point for testing. If it is less than 10,000, it will be immediately confirmed that your item is not real gold according to US trading standards.

If your piece of gold didn’t pass the loupe test, you can be sure that you don’t have a piece of pure gold. But if you want to find out its subtlety, you can proceed to further tests.

You may still need your magnifying glass for the next test method. Since your item, especially if it is jewelry, may contain several other gold hallmarks in addition to the purity mark, you should examine it more closely to test its authenticity.

HALLMARK TEST

(AKA THE “STAMP TEST” OR “JEWELRY MARKING TEST”)

How to check gold jewelry at first sight? Start with the Hallmark test!

The terms “gold hallmarks” or “gold marks” refer to a set of mandatory marks engraved on the gold item. Jewelry makers typically mark their pieces with hallmarks called gold jewelry marking symbols.

Necklaces and bracelets have these jewelry stamps on or near the clasp. With rings, these are usually somewhere on the inside. These markings must include the clarity of the piece in karat or thousandths of fineness. Also, the gold markings on jewelry should include the maker’s stamp. This will help you authenticate the maker of your gold item.

Some countries have specific license plate standards. India is an example. Five hallmarks help buyers identify Indian gold. These hallmarks include gold sample marks in the BIS standard mark, Prover or Hallmarking Center mark, which are third-party provers. In addition, you can identify gold by its purity, expressed in millesimal fineness and the year it was marked. The year of the mark is a BIS approved letter and the jeweler’s mark.

British gold also bears several marks resembling Indian gold. For more details on the anatomy of British gold jewelry hallmarks, see this article.

AVOID STAMPS WITH:

HGP – Heavy (Hard) Gold Plate

GF – Gold filled

GP – Gold plated

HEG – Hydrostatic Gilding

G.E.P. – Gold electroplating

.925 Sterling Silver

1/20 – 1/20 gold filled only with gold

What all this means is that the item is gold plated only. Also look out for 800, 925 and 950 marks as these are all silver hallmarks. This means that the item is undoubtedly fake.

Look for engravings of gold purity, weight, and mint mark on modern precious metal products such as coins, rounds, and bars. Also, check their authenticity.

The Hallmark test itself is not 100% accurate as it does not provide reliable proof that you own real gold coins, bars or jewelry. However, it can help you a bit by giving you initial clues if the gold isn’t real. Therefore, you do not need to make any further assessments if your item does not pass at this point. However, the next tests will help you clarify if you are still confused about your piece of gold.

THE SWIMMER TEST

One of the simplest gold pre-tests to do at home is the float test. All you need is a cup (or bowl) of water and your gold object. All you have to do is put your gold piece in the water!

If it is real gold, it will immediately sink to the bottom of the cup. Pure gold is heavy due to its high density (19.32 g/ml). If your gold item floats or levitates above the bottom of the cup, then it is fake or plated gold. This is because its density is lower (14K is 12.9-14.6 g/mL, 18K is 15.2-15.9 g/mL, and 22K is 17.7-17.8 g/mL.)

However, the float test is not a 100% accurate test as the counterfeit item may also contain other heavy metals which will also sink. Therefore it must only be a temporary method.

If your piece has sunk and you’re still in doubt, continue with the tests below, but also remember that real gold won’t rust or discolor if you put it in water. Any signs pointing to this reaction are confirmation that your item is improperly gold plated or gold plated.

THE SCRATCH TEST

Another easy to perform but good preliminary gold purity test is the scratch test. For this test you will need either a black jewel stone, an unglazed ceramic slab, or an unglazed porcelain tile. You can easily buy a ceramic plate or porcelain tile at a home supply store or online. The black gemstone should be purchased from a local jeweler or online from a jewelry retailer.

Note: Be extremely careful with this test. You risk damaging your gold if you don’t do it right. By scratching gold, you can inflict irreparable damage on it. This changes its value. Therefore, you can consider using other harmless testing methods to authenticate pure gold.

You can perform this test on gold jewelry or bullion by rubbing (or scratching) it over the material of your choice. Hold your gold in hand first. Next, gently wipe it along with the test material. Do this firmly enough to leave a mark but without seriously damaging your gold piece. Then analyze the color of the generated stripe. If the gold is real, it should show a golden yellow color. If you see a black streak instead, then you have pyrite or fake gold.

THE SKIN TEST

One of the simplest methods of testing gold purity is the skin stain test. Real gold will not “stain” or discolor your skin. However, if you wear fake gold jewelry or handle fake gold bars, your skin will become discolored.

Just hold your piece of gold in your hand for a few minutes. If it’s fake gold, the sweat on your skin will cause a chemical reaction with the metal. Your skin reacts with a black or green discoloration. This is because your skin reacts with the other alloying metals, not the gold. If it’s real gold, it won’t react with your skin (unless you’re allergic, of course).

So if your clean skin has a black or green discoloration, you know it’s fake or gold alloy. Otherwise, you can do the next tests to see if you have pure gold.

Important: If you test your gold piece on an area of ​​skin with previously applied liquid foundation or powder, real gold will leave a black streak on your skin. This can affect your tests. For this reason, unless you are doing the makeup test, we recommend that you ensure your skin is clean and unmade up!

HOW TO TELL IF GOLD IS REAL WITH A MAKEUP TEST

If you want to take the skin test a step further, you can also learn how to test gold with makeup at home. Let’s explore how to tell if gold with makeup is real. You need liquid makeup and powder.

First cover the back of your hand or your forehead with a thin layer of foundation and then your powder. Wait for the foundation to dry completely. Once the foundation has dried, press the gold into your skin. Then lightly rub the gold against the foundation. If your gold leaves a line or black streak, it’s very likely it’s real gold. If you don’t see a line or black stripe, the object is probably made of a different metal or is gold plated.

THE MAGNET TEST

The Gold Magnet Test is one of the most convenient at-home gold tests. It is also very quick and easy to do. A magnet is a cheap and portable tool. You can use this test anytime you need to verify the authenticity of gold when purchasing bullion or jewelry, but keep it away from your electronic devices and credit/debit cards!

To perform this test, you will need a high-strength magnet, which you can purchase at any local hardware store. Place the magnet next to the gold item. Counterfeit gold or gold alloys are instantly attracted to the magnet. When the metal is attracted to the magnet, it is either not gold or has a small amount of it.

Is gold magnetic? Gold is a non-ferrous metal, which means it doesn’t attract the magnet. So, even if the item is slightly magnetic but doesn’t stick to the magnet, then it’s gold plated. This is common with counterfeit coins that appear to be gold. These coins are only gold plated on the surface, but underneath the plating they are not gold.

So if your magnet has attracted your piece of gold, you can certainly skip the next few tests. With this test you will know for sure whether your gold is pure or not. If your gold item isn’t attracted at all, it’s probably pure gold.

However, keep in mind that the magnet test for gold is still not a foolproof test to find out if the item is real gold. This is because some fake pieces contain other metals that are also non-magnetic like silver inside. So make sure you do more additional testing to determine if that piece is real gold.

Also note that jewelry may have other non-gold parts. This includes things like clasps and bracelet wire. These can be magnetic. Even though the jewelry appears to be attracted to the magnet, it is only the metal in that particular piece that is causing the attraction, not the gold. Be sure to test all parts of the jewelry including the chain, clasp, charms, band, centerpiece, etc. to be absolutely sure of its purity.

VINEGAR TEST

The vinegar test is a quick and easy test. All you need is a dropper or glass container. You will also need some white vinegar.

Follow these steps to use the eyedropper. First attach your dropper and fill it with white vinegar. Next, hold your gold in your hand or lay it on a flat surface with a paper towel underneath to avoid making a mess. Third, put a few drops of vinegar on your gold.

If the drops of vinegar change the color of gold, it is not pure gold. If the color does not vary, it is pure gold.

If you’re using a glass bowl or cup, fill it with white vinegar. Leave the gold in the vinegar for about 15 minutes. Remove the gold piece and rinse it out. If the gold is real, it will shine. If the gold is fake, it will change color. This reaction results in acetic acid.

WEIGHT & HEIGHT TEST (Good for Coins!)

This test is ideal if you own bullion coins and want to check the size and weight of your gold. Bullion coins are of a specific weight and size that are manufactured to specific specifications. This gives you a starting point to ensure the authenticity of your gold coin. Because gold is among the densest materials on earth, its weight is very difficult to replicate.

Real gold will be less compact. Counterfeiters need more material to replicate the actual weight of gold. You should know what your gold coin should weigh, as well as its diameter and thickness. Simply weigh and measure your piece. This will help you identify real and counterfeit gold more easily once you know the specifications and check that the coin matches those characteristics.

THE BISS BISS TEST

No, here at Bullion Exchanges we don’t actually recommend this test. However, we thought it might be fun to include.

Many people have seen movies where a cowboy or businessman bites gold to see if it’s real. The idea is that if your teeth leave bite marks on the piece of gold, then it’s real. However, this test is not recommended for two reasons. The first is that even gilded pieces bear bite marks. Second, biting into gold or gold-plated pieces can seriously damage your teeth. So it’s not really effective, and it’s not worth the risk. Maybe try another method!

THE STRENGTH TEST

The gold acid test is the most popular and most accurate home gold test. This is because most acids will only damage or damage counterfeit materials. However, make sure you only perform the hardness test if your item has been identified as non-magnetic. This will help avoid unnecessary spending and actions. Also, remember to only do the endurance test on parts that you are willing to scratch/damage. Or items that you will not sell for their aesthetic value. Also, be prepared to properly dispose of (or store) your acids after use.

IF YOU STILL ASK “IS MY GOLD REAL?” AND WANT TO PERFORM THIS GOLD PURITY TEST, YOU MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING TOOLS AND MATERIALS:

Rubber gloves, safety goggles, a piece of glass, and a plain white paper towel—you can find additional safety measures at a hardware store.

Gold Test Acid Kit – which contains either hydrochloric and nitric acid along with a dropper or specific samples for each type of gold karat acid (10K acid, 18K acid, 22K acid, etc.). can

Black Gold Test Stone – You must rub it thoroughly with 320 grit sandpaper, wash and rinse before performing each test.

Acid Test Gold Needles – Various karat gold tips are available to compare with your specimens.

Two glass beakers – one for mixing water with baking soda to wash the stone and the other with water in it for rinsing the stone.

Once you have all of the above items, make sure you find a well-ventilated area to perform acid testing of gold. There are two known methods of testing gold using the acid kit. Before you begin, however, you should distinguish the specifics of your specific acidity testing kit.

The gold testing acid kit, which contains nitric and hydrochloric acids, is good for determining whether the gold is real or fake. You should know that nitric acid, also known as aqua fortis, will dissolve any metal that is not gold. So by checking for a reaction with nitric acid you can see if your gold is fake or an alloy.

A 3:1 mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids, also known as aqua regia, is the only acid mixture that can dissolve gold, even the purest. You can only use this solution if your gold has successfully passed all nitric acid tests.

If you have a gold karat acid test kit, you should know that each bottle is a different mixture of nitric acid and other components. Therefore, a reaction with a specific karat bottle shows the delicacy of your piece of gold. A slight reaction indicates that you have found the karat. After all, the lack of a reaction is a sign of higher purity.

YOU CAN NOW CONTINUE WITH YOUR TEST.

time to test. First put on your gloves and glasses. Next, prepare your test room and test your gold piece.

Step One: Use nitric acid on your item.

Before you begin, it’s a good idea to place the glass pane on your table and cover it with a protector like a plain white paper towel to prevent damage to your work surface. Place your gold item on another towel. Then use a small sharp graver to make a small notch in the item, preferably in a hidden spot. Make sure you penetrate and expose the metal below the surface, but remember that real gold is very malleable.

Next, using a tool such as a pipette, carefully place a drop of nitric acid directly onto the notch. Don’t get acid on your skin. Watch the chemical reaction.

If you immediately notice a green, fizzy, fizzy and smoky fizz, it is fake gold and contains copper. In some cases, it burns off the coating or discolors the object.

If the notch looks milky cream then you have gold plating over sterling silver. It may not be real gold, but it’s still something some people collect, such as coins plated with black ruthenium.

No further testing is required at this point as you have confirmed that this item is not real gold. However, if the stain turns darker or looks like rusty gold, then you most likely have a low karat gold.

If you have a dedicated gold karat acid test kit, you should repeat the acid test starting with the highest karat acid. Then watch the reaction until the acid remains clear as water. Little or no reaction means you have combined the right karat of gold with the right acid.

One important thing to note is that when testing different karat acids, you must wash the acid off the item between tests in the beaker with water and baking soda. Then rinse it off in the water beaker.

Real gold will pass the test by not reacting with nitric acid. It leaves a clear drop of liquid over the unaffected notch with no color change. Please remember this is still acid so always handle with care. If you want to double test for real gold you can use the aqua regia mixture BUT we do not recommend placing it directly on your item as this would damage your piece. Use a test stone method instead.

Step Two: Test the Gold on the Black Gold Testing Stone.

You should have already done the scratch test, but it won’t repeat itself. This part is an extension of the scratch test to determine fineness. Begin by placing the piece of glass on your test surface. Next place your black gold test stone on the glass and take your gold item and gently scratch the gold on the stone until it leaves a light line.

Now take one of the gold check pins and mark your line with a symbol (e.g. “X” or “?”). Then for each needle, repeat the gold line parallel to yours and write the carat symbol across the line so you know which acid is for which mark.

Take the first acid, which is usually the 10K acid, and apply its contents to your gold samples. Or you can put small drops on each sample. After 30 seconds, wash the test stone in the water and baking soda mixture. Rinse with water and blot with the plain white paper towel.

If the acid dissolves your test sample, then you have a lower karat piece. On the other hand, if your sample shows a slight reaction, you have matched the carat. If it hasn’t changed from the acid, then you have a higher karat gold. In this case, repeat the test steps with the next karat acids until the result agrees with your sample.

If you have a 23K or 24K piece and the last acid bottle from the kit is the 22K, you have two choices from here. You should either test with gold testing machines or, if you have pure nitric and hydrochloric acids, do the aqua regia acid test for gold on your scratch sample. If it dissolves, it’s real gold. Remember to always exercise caution when using acids and to dispose of or store them properly.

To properly dispose of your acids, always remember to handle them with care and follow the disposal laws in your area.

GOLD TESTING MACHINES – ELECTRONIC AND RFA THERMAL GOLD TESTER

The most accurate and harmless method of testing gold is to use electronic or XRF thermal testers. Both professional appraisers and gold owners can use this certified method to tell you the exact composition of your gold piece. You should choose this test if you want to authenticate your gold coin or bullion. You should not have to suffer any potential inaccuracies or damage that the above gold testing methods could bring to your high value investments.

If you intend to test gold items frequently, consider investing in an electronic gold testing machine. One machine is the Sigma Metalytics Precious MetalVerifier. These electronic devices are battery powered and easy to use, but it’s important to make sure they’re in good working order. Otherwise, incorrect results may occur.

Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the device and you can rest assured that your tests will provide accurate results. Below are two overviews of the most recommended gold testers – the Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Verifier and the XRF Thermo Scientific Analyzer. They are also used to test silver, platinum and palladium.

Watch a video >>

SIGMA METALYTICS MACHINE

The Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Verifier is the perfect choice for measuring gold in bulk, bars or coins at home. Die Prüfung wird durchgeführt, indem die elektrischen Eigenschaften des Goldes auf jedem Karat mit den Ergebnissen des Goldstücks abgeglichen werden.

Die Goldprobe wird in weniger als einer Sekunde beurteilt und beschädigt den Barren oder die Münze nicht. Dies liegt an der Abwesenheit von Chemikalien. Der Precious Metal Verifier verwendet elektromagnetische Wellen, mit denen Sie das darunter liegende Metall unter Beschichtungen oder anderen Oberflächenmerkmalen messen können. Es dringt tief in den Barren oder die Münze ein. Daher ignoriert es die Oberfläche und bewertet den Hauptkörper Ihres Goldstücks.

Außerdem müssen Sie Ihre Münzen oder Barren nicht aus ihren Schutzhüllen entfernen, da der Prüfer durch diese Kunststoffhüllen hindurch arbeiten kann. Der elektronische Goldtester von Sigma Metalytics wird mit unterschiedlich großen Sensoren für unterschiedlich große Goldproben geliefert. Das Hauptgehäuse enthält den größten Sensor für große Edelmetallproben, wie z. B. 1-oz-Barren und -Münzen. Zum Messen kleinerer Goldgegenstände sollten Sie über das Kabel einen der drei externen Stäbe mit dem Hauptgerät verbinden:

NEUER Edelmetallstab – dringt bis zu einer Tiefe von 0,08 Zoll (2 mm) in die Oberfläche des Edelmetalls ein.

Kleiner Stab – für kleine Edelmetallproben wie 1-Gramm-Barren, CombiBars und 1/10-Unzen-Münzen usw.

Large Wand – für Münzen und Barren mit Gewichten zwischen 1/4 und 1 oz.

Nachdem Sie Ihr Goldstück auf den richtigen Sensor gelegt haben, müssen Sie die Goldprobe auswählen, die Sie erwarten. Zum Beispiel reines Gold, 22 Karat Gold, 90 % Gold oder American Eagle Gold. Warten Sie dann auf die Meldung „Bereit“ und drücken Sie „RUN/CAL“. Der Prüfer zeigt das Ergebnis des spezifischen Widerstands Ihres Artikels auf seinem Display an.

Wenn der schwarze Cursor zwischen den Klammern angezeigt wird, entspricht Ihr Artikel der Feinheit Ihrer Goldprobe. Wenn ein Pfeil auf dem Display erscheint, bedeutet dies, dass Ihr Artikel nicht mit Gold übereinstimmt. Kleine Änderungen in den Legierungen machen auch einen großen Unterschied in den Ergebnissen des Verifiers.

DIE VORTEILE DES ELEKTRONISCHEN GOLDPRÜFERS SIGMA METALYTICS EDELMETALLPRÜFER:

Schnell und einfach – Ergebnisse innerhalb einer Sekunde und einfach zu konfigurieren.

Universelle Lösung – kann gefälschte Goldbarren und Münzen erkennen. Kann auch gefälschte Silber-, Platin- und Palladiumbarren erkennen.

Hochpräzise – liest unter Beschichtung und Plattierung, mit einer neuen 2-mm-Tiefenmessung.

Bequem – Lesen Sie unter Kunststoffverpackungen und beinhaltet keine Chemie, unordentliches Gel, Füllen oder Schaben.

Tragbar und langlebig – lange Batterielebensdauer und keine Wartung erforderlich.

XRF THERMO WISSENSCHAFTLICH

Die genauesten Goldprüfmaschinen verwenden Röntgenfluoreszenz (XRF)-Spektrometer, aber diese können Tausende von Dollar kosten. Diese Geräte senden Röntgenstrahlen durch das Goldstück. Es erregt seine Atome kurzzeitig, was sie in einen höheren Energiezustand versetzt. Bei der Rückkehr in ihren Grundzustand geben die Atome Strahlung ab. Dann erkennt und liest der XRF-Edelmetalltester die Strahlung, um das Material zu bestimmen. Dies ist eine geringe Gammastrahlung, aber Sie sollten trotzdem mit jeder Art von Strahlung vorsichtig umgehen.

Der beste Goldtester ist der XRF Thermo Scientific™ Analysator. Es gibt Ihnen eine schnelle, genaue und zerstörungsfreie Bewertung Ihres Goldartikels oder jedes anderen Edelmetallstücks. Dieser Goldtester ist mit der einzigartigen AuDIT™-Vergoldungserkennungstechnologie (Au (Gold) Detection & Identification Technology) ausgestattet. Es warnt Sie, ob Ihr Artikel plattiert ist oder nicht. Außerdem erhalten Sie das genaue Karatgewicht und den Prozentsatz von Gold und anderen Elementen in Ihrem Artikel.

So können Sie fortgeschrittenes gefälschtes Gold oder Artikel mit einem niedrigeren Karat leicht identifizieren.

Der Hauptvorteil der Verwendung dieses Goldtesters besteht darin, dass Sie präzise Messungen der Konzentration von Gold und anderen Metallen erhalten. Dies geschieht, ohne dass Einstellungen oder Kalibrierungen manuell geändert werden müssen. Da außerdem keine Chemikalien oder aggressive Maßnahmen erforderlich sind, ist diese Methode der genaueste Test zur Authentifizierung Ihrer Goldgegenstände.

100 % GARANTIERTE PRÜFUNGSFREIE BEWERTUNG VON EINEM ZUVERLÄSSIGEN ANBIETER

Ja, der zuverlässigste und einfachste Weg, um festzustellen, ob Sie echtes oder gefälschtes Gold haben, besteht darin, Ihr Stück zu einem zertifizierten Edelmetallberater wie Bullion Exchanges zu bringen.

Idealerweise ist dies die beste Methode, um Ihr Goldstück zu authentifizieren, da Sie Ihr Stück von qualifizierten Gutachtern untersuchen und analysieren lassen. Wir verwenden erstklassige digitale Goldtester wie die oben beschriebenen.

Bei Bullion Exchanges erhalten Sie eine kostenlose Bewertung. Sie können Ihre Ware entweder an uns schicken oder unser Geschäft besuchen. Wir verwenden sowohl den Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Verifier als auch den XRF Thermo Scientific Gold Analyzer. Hier finden Sie unsere Kontaktinformationen, wenn Sie uns versenden oder persönlich im Herzen des Diamond District von NYC besuchen möchten.

We appraise precious coins, rounds, and bars made of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The store authentication is fully transparent when you come in person. We perform the tests right in front of you, so you can be sure you get the most accurate results. On top of that, our certified experts have vast experience and knowledge in identifying fake bullion items.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This article showcases the most popular methods about how to tell if gold is real from DIY ways to test gold at home, to using the most advanced digital gold tester machines. However, you will always benefit from a free and quick appraisal from a reliable provider like Bullion Exchanges.

Without a doubt, having your gold appraised is the safest and most accurate testing gold method you can easily obtain. Contact us and we will help you uncover the real value of your precious gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or rhodium investments.

You can call us at 212-354-1517, toll-free at 800-852-6884,or email us at [email protected]. You can also come visit our retail office at 30 West 47th Street, Store 1, New York, NY 10036. We will be happy to assist you and appraise your gold products for free.

Fool’s gold can be confused with placer gold – gold found as rounded or flat nuggets in dry and wet creek beds, rivers or streams – because both appear golden. But real gold stays bright even when not in direct sunlight, and while it’s soft, it doesn’t crumble when touched like fool’s gold can. Raw gold in rocks appears as yellow-gold threads winding through quartz.

gold panning

One of the ways to find raw gold begins by washing it in streams or rivers fed by eroded gold from mines or natural deposits in rock formations above the water sources. Placer gold, about 75 to 95 percent real gold, comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small flakes to large, bumpy nuggets. When washing, raw gold weighs the heaviest and is found in the tins or at the bottom of the pan.

The color of true gold

Do a simple test of the material in the pan to determine if it is real gold. Raw gold appears brassy yellow and bright. When you think it’s gold, place your hand between it and the sun to create shadows over the gold. If it still appears light in the pan, there’s a chance it’s real gold. Fool’s gold doesn’t appear as bright in the shadows.

The texture of gold

Raw gold has a smooth but bumpy texture created when the gold tumbles through rivers and streams. When you place it in the palm of your hand and a stone of the same size next to it, real gold feels significantly heavier. Flakes of fool’s gold – iron pyrite – break apart easily if you poke your fingernail into the pan of gold. Fool’s gold also has more jagged edges compared to placer gold, which has had its edges smoothed by hitting rocks and boulders in a river. Quartz rock sometimes has gold threads, but this type of gold may require a professional’s opinion to determine if it is indeed gold. To create museum specimens from veins of gold in quartz, professionals melt the quartz in an acid bath, leaving just enough quartz to form the basis for the filigree-looking gold.

let the light shine

Hold the soapy gold up to the light. It has a glossy finish that shines when twisted in the light, but it doesn’t sparkle or sparkle. Fool’s Gold sparkles and sparkles in the light, reflecting the light and creating a glitter effect in the pan. Real gold is bright yellow with a shiny, metallic finish.

Test its strength

A true symbol of high status, success and wealth, gold is a luxurious, coveted precious metal. But even if you own a hallmarked piece of gold, its hallmark is no guarantee of its real gold content. This article explores the best testing methods on how to do a proper gold test. Remember, you can always get a free premium valuation from our team of experts at NYC Bullion.

gold properties

Before proceeding with testing, you should know that gold is considered a durable metal because it:

Doesn’t tarnish or rust

Is not magnetic

Conducts heat and electricity

Is only dissolved by nitro-hydrochloric acid (1:3).

Is malleable, stretchy and stretchy – easy to hammer, press and cut into various shapes

Since gold is sparkling, it must also be alloyed with other metals. Its alloys are measured using either the carat system or the millesimal system of fineness. A karat unit is equal to 1/24th of pure gold in an alloy, while thousandths purity is expressed as parts per thousand of real gold by mass in an alloy. Take a look at the gold purity chart below for more details.

Carat System % of Gold Grade Millesimal Fineness System Gold or Non-Gold (US Standards) 8K 33.3 333 Non-Gold 9K 37.5 375 Non-Gold 10K 41.7 417 Gold Alloy 14K 58.3 583 (585) Gold Alloy 15K 62, 5 625 Gold Alloy 18K 75.0 750 Gold Alloy 20K 83.3 833 Gold Alloy 21K 87.5 875 Gold Alloy 22K 91.6 916 Gold Alloy 23K 95.8 958 Gold Alloy 24K 99.9 999 Pure Gold

To find out if your gold jewelry or gold bullion piece is fake or real, use the following gold testing methods. Domestic methods help you test for real gold, while professional tests reveal the exact fineness of your piece.

The magnifying glass test

The first and easiest home test for gold requires only a magnifying glass and your bullion or jewelry. Examine your piece carefully with the magnifying glass for these visual clues:

no signs of discoloration – gold does not react to environmental influences. So if your piece shows discoloration, it is either not gold plated or gold plated.

Color and Luster – Pure gold is not very lustrous and has a beautiful soft yellow color. Any shiny, yellow, or tinted (reddish) item is definitely not pure gold.

Hallmark/Stamp/Jewellery Marking Test

The second step is the stamp check, for which you may also need a magnifying glass. Look for gold hallmarks or jewelry hallmarks (within the finish or near the clasp). These markings must indicate at least the purity of the gold (in thousandths or carats) and may also include the maker’s stamp when jewelry is sold.

Look for the ‘HGP’, ‘GF’, ‘HEG’, ‘GP’, ‘HGE’, ‘RGP’, ‘GEP’ or ‘GP’ marks as they all mean the item is gold plated. Also avoid fake “800”, “925” or “950” markings on gold pieces as these are all hallmarks of silver. The stamp test is not 100% accurate and is only used to determine if the gold is not genuine or pure. If your item is marked gold but you still have doubts, proceed with further testing.

The skin test

The skin discoloration test is one of the easiest ways to test gold at home. Just hold your piece of gold in your hand for a few minutes. Real gold does not leave stains or stains on the skin. So if you notice a black or green chemical reaction with your sweat then it’s certainly an alloy.

However, remember that when you apply powder or liquid foundation to your tested area of ​​skin, a real gold object may leave a black streak on it, so your test will not be accurate. Therefore, before performing the gold test, make sure you are not wearing makeup and your skin is clean.

The float test

Another easy way to test gold jewelry or bullion at home is the float test, which involves placing your gold piece in a cup of water. Due to gold’s high density (19.32 g/ml), pure gold will immediately sink to the bottom of the cup. Fake or plated gold levitates or levitates above, while gold alloys tip halfway up. Even if your piece rusts or discolours, then it is a fake.

However, please keep in mind that a counterfeit item may consist of other heavy metals which will also sink. So use this test to spot fake gold that is floating or floating. If your item has sunk and you are still in doubt, do another test.

Porcelain tile test (or the scratch test)

The porcelain stoneware test, also known as the gold scratch test, requires a ceramic plate or a piece of unglazed porcelain stoneware tile. Scratch or rub your gold across the tile/slab and look at the color of the stripe. A gold yellow stripe indicates real gold while a black stripe indicates your item is counterfeit or pyrite. If you don’t want to damage your piece of gold, consider other harmless testing methods.

The magnet test

One of the easiest and most convenient at-home gold tests is the magnetic gold test, which requires a high-strength magnet. This solution is cheap and portable as a magnet is accessible anywhere and anytime. Since real gold is not magnetic, it will not be attracted to the magnet. Gold permitted or counterfeit items will immediately attract the magnet, while lightly attracted pieces are more likely to be gold plated. Also keep in mind that jewelry usually has strength elements (like wires, clasps) that are not made of gold and can be magnetic.

So if the magnet attracted your item, you can skip the following tests. Otherwise it is likely pure gold and further testing may need to be done for greater accuracy. Also remember that other precious metals (like silver) are also non-magnetic so make sure you do additional testing to confirm your item is real gold.

The acid test

If you don’t mind damaging or scratching the samples, you can use the auric acid test. You need to buy a gold test acid kit (for each karat), black gold test stone, gold karat needles and 2 glass beakers. One cup with baking soda/water mixture and the other with just water. Before testing gold with acid, be sure to choose a well-ventilated area and take all safety precautions to protect yourself and your work area from any contact with the acid.

Each bottle in the acid kit is a proprietary blend of nitric acid and other components. Take your gold sample and scratch a light line on the black stone to make sure you’ve gotten over any plating. Mark your line and make similar parallel lines with the other gold karat pins. Then take the lowest carat acid and apply its contents over or on each line and wait 30 seconds. Wash the stone in the baking soda and water mixture, then rinse with water and blot with a paper towel.

A reaction (resolved line) indicates your sample is of lower purity, a slight reaction means you have reached the karat, while no reaction indicates you have a higher karat of gold. If your sample did not react, repeat the test steps with the next acids until you agree on carat. If the last test acid in the kit is for 22K and you need to know if your piece is 23K or 24K, consider using gold testing machines.

Gold Testing Machines – Electronic and XRF Thermo Gold Test

The most benign and accurate test methods are the XRF thermal and electronic gold testers, such as the Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Verifier and the XRF Thermo Scientific Analyzer.

Sigma Metalics machine

This device performs gold testing on bullion and jewelry without using chemicals or damaging them. It uses electromagnetic waves to determine the karat of your item based on the electrical properties of gold. The waves penetrate deep into the tested piece, ignoring its surface and assessing its body, only to display the result in a few seconds.

The Sigma Metalytics Electronic Gold Tester comes with different sized sensors for each gold sample. Additionally, if you wish to sell gold coins or other encased gold bars, you do not need to remove them from their protective holders. Simply place your sample on the appropriate sensor, select the expected purity, wait for the “Ready” message and press “RUN/CAL”. If the result is between the brackets, your tested piece corresponds to the selected fineness, while an up arrow indicates your piece is not gold.

XRF Thermo Scientific™ Gold Test

It is the most expensive precious metal tester, but the most accurate and non-destructive. This gold analyzer uses X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer to test the gold piece. The device sends X-rays through the sample and causes atoms to be momentarily excited, pushing them into a higher energy state. As the atoms return to their ground state, they emit radiation that is detected and read by the machine. The machine returns the exact carat or metal composition of the tested piece. It is also equipped with a unique AuDIT™ gold plating detection technology that will alert you if the tested item is gold plated.

Free 100% Reliable Test – Free Professional Evaluation

The best and easiest way to test gold selling is to have it analyzed and appraised by professional appraisers like NYCBullion. Our team uses high quality digital gold testers including the Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Verifier and the XRF Thermo Scientific Analyzer. Along with our world-class expertise, we guarantee a free, fully transparent valuation of your goods and the most generous offer on the market. You can get your free NYCBullion evaluation by either submitting your gold item or by visiting our store. If you have any questions, simply call us at (212)-354-5557, send us a message, or visit our retail office at 30 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036.

Last Valentine’s Day, your significant other gave you a beautiful gold necklace (which earned you big pluses).

But since then, every time you catch a glimpse of him sitting on the bedside table, you’ve become suspicious. Did they really treat themselves to a high-quality 24-karat piece?

Turns out you don’t have to go to the jeweler to find out.

In the video above, NBC News National Investigative Correspondent and Rossen Reports host Jeff Rossen shows us a super easy (and cheap) way to find out if your gold is real or not — right at home.

A few men will sleep in the kennel tonight.

How to spot a fake

What you need: a magnet and the respective piece of jewellery.

What to do: Hold the magnet to the gold. If it’s real gold, it won’t stick to the magnet. (Fun fact: Real gold isn’t magnetic.) Fake gold, on the other hand, sticks to the magnet.

When this necklace jumps to the magnet, your significant other has something to explain.

For more tips like this, click here to pre-order Jeff’s new book, Rossen To The Rescue.

The tyrannosaur of minerals, this quartz gold nugget weighs more than 70 ounces (2 kilograms).

The value of gold is based on the karat system, a 24-point scale that indicates the percentage of gold in a piece of metal.

So if gold jewelry is 14K, it’s 14 parts out of 24 gold, or 58.33 percent gold.

The acid test is the cheapest way to test gold. Simple acid test kits usually come with a black touchstone and several acid solutions marked with different carats.

Experts begin by scratching the touchstone with the gold to be tested, leaving a streak on the stone. If the gold in question is said to be 14K, they will then do a parallel control strip with a piece of gold that is already known to be 14K.

Finally, they put a drop of the acid solution on both strips and compare the subsequent chemical reactions.

Jewelers can also use electronic gold testers to find out the quality of a piece of gold. Using a specific liquid or gel, they first create a circuit between the device’s probe and the gold.

The device then tests the electrical conductivity of the gold – this property not only tells the jeweler whether it is actually gold, but also its purity. Electronic gold checkers are fairly accurate when used properly (they must be completely cleaned of the gel between uses).

The most accurate tests use X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers. These machines, which can cost thousands of dollars, send X-rays through the tested object.

The atoms of the material are temporarily excited and move to a higher energy state; When they return to their ground state, they release radiation that the XRF detects and reads.

By analyzing the radiation, the machine finds out exactly what the object is made of.

Follow LiveScience on Twitter @livescience. We are also on Facebook & Google+.

Gold. For thousands of years, this precious metal has been considered one of the most valuable and beautiful materials in the world. To this day, it remains a sign of wealth and luxury that everyone wants to get their hands on.

But with that prestige comes many imitation gold pieces that can be difficult to spot. In this guide, we’ll share a bit of gold background information, as well as tips on how to tell if your gold jewelry is real.

history of gold

As you can probably imagine, gold has been one of the world’s most valuable commodities for thousands of years. Societies around the world have used it for everything from currency and architecture to jewelry and decoration. Some ancient civilizations even believed it had healing powers!

Perhaps no society is as well known for its use of gold as the ancient Egyptians. Already 3000 BC The Egyptians had access to a rich supply of gold and used it to make jewelry and other adornments for kings, along with bullion used in trade.

These precious metals were also considered incredibly rare and were the spark that ignited many battles over the past few millennia.

To this day, gold is still used as a key asset for the world’s banks. The money used in America today is still backed by gold, making it one of (if not the most) most valuable commodities in the world today.

gold properties

Given gold’s rich history, you’re probably thinking there must be a reason why it’s considered so valuable and sought after, right? You would be right!

Of course, gold was valued primarily for its beauty. Its rich, warm yellow color and natural luster are probably the first things that struck those who discovered this element so long ago. But beauty isn’t the only reason gold is so special.

One thing that makes pure gold so useful is its malleability. Gold is easy to work with and can be crushed and pulled out at an incredible rate.

This flexibility in particular has made it a favorite for jewelry makers, metalsmiths and other crafters. Gilding and foliation are good examples of how ductile this metal can be.

A fun fact is that gold leaf can be hammered to a thickness of seven millionths of an inch – meaning a stack of 7,055 sheets wouldn’t be thicker than a dime!

On the more technical side, gold is also an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. Gold outlasts both copper and silver in terms of conductivity because it resists tarnishing.

It’s also so reflective of heat and light that astronauts’ space helmets are coated with an incredibly thin layer of gold to reduce glare – look out for the gold color of the visor next time you see a picture of one! We bet you didn’t know that!

How to test gold at home

Ever since gold was discovered, it has been an established symbol of wealth, status, beauty and power. Unfortunately, like many fashion status symbols, this means that gold is a prime target for counterfeiting. From lacquered plastic to low-grade metals, there’s plenty of fake gold jewelry out there.

With these ten steps, you can test your gold jewelry yourself and confirm if your gold is real or fake.

1. Stamp test

One of the quickest ways to tell if your gold is real is to look for an engraved hallmark somewhere on the piece of jewelry. This stamp identifies the content and/or manufacturer of your metal. It may take a bit of detective work to find a larger piece, but grab a magnifying glass and look at the back and sides of your jewelry.

The hallmark are numbers that fall under either the carat system or the millesimal fineness system. You can find lists of all the purity numbers you might find and if the numbers are anything other than these values, they are probably fake.

While this testing method is not 100% foolproof as the manufacturer can always put fake marks on their fake jewelry, this is a good place to start.

2. Leave marks

If you spot the GP, GF, GE, GEP, HGP, or HEG markings on your jewelry, the item is considered a counterfeit. Gold-plated or gold-filled items are also considered counterfeit items because they contain a small amount of real gold.

For reference, 24k gold is 99.9% pure and 18k gold is 75% pure. You will never find 100% gold as gold is so soft and warps easily.

3. Float test

A simple test is the swim test, also called density test! Gold is an incredibly dense metal. In fact, a square foot of solid gold can weigh over half a ton! For this reason, real gold jewelry rarely floats.

Place your gold item in a cup of water and see if it floats or sinks.

4. Scratch test

One of the safest ways to test your gold jewelry is with the ceramic scratch test. For this method, take an unglazed ceramic slab or piece of tile and scrape a piece of gold across the surface.

Real gold leaves a gold-colored mark, other metals only leave a black streak. Be careful to scrape the tile only enough to reveal a gold mark to avoid damaging your jewelry.

5. Skin test (discoloration)

You’ve probably owned a piece of jewelry that leaves a blue, green, or purple tint on your skin when worn for an extended period of time. This is a sign of oxidation and a telltale sign of cheap and counterfeit metal. However, real gold leaves no discoloration on your skin.

A good way to test this is to hold your gold jewelry in your bare hands for a few minutes. If the piece is genuine, you shouldn’t notice any color on your skin. It’s worth noting that if your gold comes into contact with liquid foundation, it can turn your skin black at those contact points. Be sure to wash your hands before testing, just to be sure.

6. Magnet test

If you have a strong magnet handy, hold it against your gold jewelry. Gold isn’t magnetic, so if you see an attraction then the piece isn’t real gold. However, there are other metals that aren’t magnetic, so this test alone isn’t foolproof.

7. Vinegar test

All you need for this simple test is a few drops of vinegar. Find an inconspicuous spot on your gold jewelry and apply some vinegar to the metal. Real gold does not change color, but if the metal is fake gold, there may be a change.

8. Nitric acid test

Gold is considered a precious metal, which means it is resistant to oxidation and corrosion from acids. That’s why it shouldn’t change color when it comes into contact with your skin, vinegar, or nitric acid.

To perform the nitric acid test, rub your gold item on a black stone to leave a visible mark, then apply the nitric acid to the mark. Nitric acid will dissolve all base metals that are not gold, leaving a true stain of gold.

Next, you can apply aqua regia to the mark to further confirm the authenticity of your gold. This solution dissolves real gold.

Failsafe Tests

9. Gold testing machines

Luckily, with today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to determine if your piece of gold is real or not. An example of this is a gold testing machine. These machines allow you to quickly determine if your piece is real gold without potentially damaging your piece.

The two main types of machines for testing gold jewelry are an electronic tester and an XRF spectrometer. These machines send either X-rays or electromagnetic waves through your piece of gold, recording and analyzing how these different waves interact with the metal.

Using this information, the machine will tell you in seconds if your piece is genuine. In particular, the XRF spectrometer is considered to be the fastest and most accurate of the tests.

10. Take it to a reputable jeweler

While these home testing methods can be quick and easy to get an answer as to whether or not your gold is real, there is still room for error. Some counterfeit metals can pass these tests and look just like real gold. So the best and most reliable way to authenticate your gold is to take it to an experienced jeweler.

Reputable jewelers or jewelry stores often have access to a wide range of testing methods that the average person does not have. This, combined with their years of experience manufacturing and/or analyzing gold jewelry, means they can easily spot fakes.

The most experienced jewelers have likely worked with many counterfeit gold items and may even be able to tell at a glance whether your piece is real or not.

With many counterfeit gold pieces circulating in the market, you cannot always take your gold jewelry at face value. By doing these tests at home, you may only be able to confirm whether or not your item is genuine before taking it to a jeweler.

Now that we know how to test for fake jewelry, let’s move on to designer bags! Here are some tips on spotting a fake Gucci bag and also how to tell if your Louis Vuitton bag is fake!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TB (tuberculosis) surveillance data reported that 9,029 new cases of TB were diagnosed in the United States in 2018. Although the number of reported cases is small, getting tested for TB at an earlier stage remains important for people at higher risk of developing tuberculosis in order to eradicate TB completely. Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease. We therefore recommend anyone who suspects the possibility of exposure to the tuberculosis bacterium to be tested for the Quantiferon Gold blood test immediately.

The following article covers all the important topics related to TB gold blood tests such as:

Quantiferon TB Gold Trial Cost. What is a Quantiferon TB Gold test? What is tuberculosis (TB)? forms of TB. Symptoms of TB. How is tuberculosis treated? What are the complications of tuberculosis if left untreated? Who is recommended for the TB Gold test? How is the TB Gold test performed? Is there any preparation required before the test? Are there risks in the test? What does the test result mean? How can tuberculosis be prevented? Provider Locations.

For our readers who are very interested in knowing the cost of TB gold testing in advance, let’s start with this section.

How much does the Quantiferon Gold test cost?

Quantiferon Gold testing costs range from $199 to $208 at various labs and facilities across the United States. No prior appointment is required. Compare prices, order your test online and visit the nearest lab during lab hours. Complete the procedure and receive the results by email within 2 to 3 business days. A medical consultation is also available for further treatment or any type of medical advice.

The table below shows the costs for the Quantiferon TB Gold test at 2 of our partner laboratories (CLIA certified) in the USA.

Name of our partner lab Book HealthLabs reports online – 1 to 3 days

The entire US

Required to visit the lab Sale Price $199 Book Now Personal Test Lab Reports – 2 to 5 days

All of the United States except New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island

Required to visit the lab Sale Price $208 Book Now

Quantiferon Gold test cost with insurance

Most health insurance plans in the US will cover the cost of a TB Gold blood test. However, the benefits of private health insurance and government health insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid are very different. We therefore recommend that you check your health insurance coverage before getting tested for TB.

Our Quantiferon TB Gold test providers do not accept any medical insurance. However, upon request, they can provide you with a detailed receipt with all the details such as the name and code of the test and the CPT code, which is required for insurance reimbursement purposes.

What is a Quantiferon TB Gold test?

TB-Gold is also known as “QuantiFERON TB-Gold”. It’s a simple blood test done to diagnose the presence of tuberculosis bacteria in the body. QuantiFERON (QFT) is an Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) for the detection of the TB bacterium. It measures the response of a person’s immune system using a specific substance called gamma interferon. This substance is released by the white blood cells in a blood sample when they are exposed to specific TB antigens.

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a highly contagious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily attacks the lungs, but can spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain and spine. The TB bacterium can be airborne, and a person infected with TB can easily transmit the bacterium to another person through sneezing, coughing, and speaking.

forms of tuberculosis

There are two forms of tuberculosis.

Active TB: This form of TB stays very active in the body, causing symptoms and spreading the bacterium to other healthy people.

Latent TB: This form of TB remains passive or inactive in the body. It is not contagious and does not cause any symptoms. But it can become active at any time

Symptoms of tuberculosis

Active tuberculosis causes various symptoms, including:

Constant coughing

cough up blood

chest pain

pain when coughing

Unexplained weight loss

fatigue

loss of appetite

nausea

Vomit

sweat at night

Without proper treatment, the TB bacterium can spread to other organs through the bloodstream. Symptoms differ depending on the organ infected with tuberculosis.

Bones – pain in the spine and joint destruction

Brain – meningitis (a condition that causes inflammation of the meninges, which are the three membranes that line the spinal canal and skull)

Kidneys – Blood in the urine

Cardiac tamponade (cardiac compression due to fluid accumulation in the pericardium)

How is tuberculosis treated?

Tuberculosis can be treated with a combination of drugs such as

isoniazid

Ethambutol (Myambutol)

pyrazinamide

Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)

Rifapentine (Priftin)

Sometimes these drugs can affect your liver and cause symptoms like dark urine, jaundice, and/or abdominal pain. Tell your doctor if you notice these symptoms.

It is very important to complete the entire course of treatment. Otherwise, there is a higher chance that the bacterium will come back.

What are the complications of tuberculosis if left untreated?

If left untreated at an earlier stage, tuberculosis can be fatal and spread through the bloodstream to other organs such as the brain, liver, kidneys and spine. It can lead to spinal pain, joint damage, meningitis, heart problems, and liver and kidney disease.

Who is recommended for the Quantiferon Gold Test?

Individuals with the above symptoms or individuals with the following risk factors are recommended to be tested for the Quantiferon TB Gold test.

weakened immune system

HIV infection

chemotherapy treatment

End-stage renal disease

diabetic

A positive TB skin test result

drug users

Close contact with the TB infected person

Travel to regions with high TB ​​rates

use of tobacco

How is the Quantiferon TB gold test performed?

The Quantiferon TB Gold Test is performed on the blood sample.

During this test, a lab technician or phlebotomist will clean the area to be injected with a disinfectant liquid and wrap an elastic band around the upper arm to visualize the vein and swell it with blood. He/she then injects a needle to draw a blood sample and collects the blood sample in a test tube. After the blood is drawn, he/she covers the injected area with a band-aid or cotton ball to stop the bleeding. The collected blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for further analysis.

This test takes less than 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

The ideal time to get tested for tuberculosis:

You can get tested for TB right away if you suspect the possibility of exposure to TB bacteria or if you notice any of the TB symptoms. There is no window or incubation period required to get tested for the TB Gold test.

Is there any preparation required before the test?

No special preparation is required before the TB Gold blood test. There is no diet restriction and you can go about your normal activities. Before the test, let the phlebotomist know if you have a bleeding disorder.

Are there risks in the test?

There are no potential risks or complications with the Quantiferon Gold blood test. You may experience dizziness, slight pain, bruising or redness at the injection site for a short time after the blood collection.

What does the test result mean?

If your Quantiferon TB Gold test results are positive, this indicates that you are infected with TB. Because this test doesn’t say whether the bacterium is active or latent, your doctor may order additional tests to identify it.

If your results are negative, it means you are not infected with any form of TB.

How can tuberculosis be prevented?

The following measures can be taken to prevent tuberculosis.

BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccines are used in children in some countries to prevent severe TB (however, these vaccines are not recommended for general use in the United States).

If you have active TB, wearing a mask, ventilating the room, and covering your mouth can reduce the risk of transmission.

Provider Locations

The TB Gold blood test can be performed in any of the following locations in the US by visiting the nearest laboratory. To know the cost of the TB gold test, read the first section of the article.

Alabama

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Hawaii

Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Mexico

North Carolina

North Dakota

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

frequently asked Questions

Will the insurance cover my test costs?

No, the insurance will not be charged. However, they will provide you with a receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.

How should I book my appointment?

You can select the most suitable provider above and make an appointment by following the instructions they provide.

Can I cancel my lab test order?

Yes, you can cancel your lab test order at any time before the test. A refund will be made after deducting the cancellation fee. However, termination is at the discretion of the provider.

Do the providers offer result interpretations?

Yes, some providers may offer a doctor’s consultation to walk you through the results and provide clarification if needed.

How do I get my report?

To protect your privacy, the test report will be sent to you by the provider.

Other topics you may be interested in:-

How to tell if gold is real using a lighter and other DIY tests

Gold is one of the most valuable metals known to man. It’s beautiful, rare and fetches a high price – if it’s genuine.

Knowing how to tell if gold is real using a lighter and other methods can help you:

Avoid paying a high price for fake gold jewelry

Make sure you are not unknowingly buying or selling fake gold jewelry yourself

Know that you are buying real gold for your personal collection or as an investment

However, before attempting any of the above tests, it’s important to understand what is considered “real” gold.

What is pure gold?

The value you see on your gold jewelry depends solely on how much metal was used in its manufacture and what percentage of pure 24k gold was used.

Gold price developments over time are subject to global demand and currency fluctuations which can make it difficult to determine its true value – you will need to verify the current price of gold or identify a trusted jeweler for your item.

Pure gold is a soft metal and too soft for jewelry use because you cannot easily, reliably, or inexpensively mold it into the shape you want using only 24k gold in its manufacture.

As a result, gold jewelry contains other metals to varying degrees by weight – you will see numbers like 18k or 14k on your gold pieces.

That means you have a certain percentage of pure gold in your jewelry. Higher numbers mean you have more pure gold and fewer alloys, while lower numbers show you are getting less pure gold with a higher content of gold alloy metals.

Here’s a general breakdown based on carats:

24k gold = 100% pure

22k gold = 91.7% pure

18k gold = 75% pure

14k gold = 58.33% pure

Of course, you’re paying for the amount of gold you get, so you’re seeing proportionately higher prices for 24k (100%) gold than 18k gold.

Is rose gold and white gold real?

In short, yes.

Again, pure gold needs to be mixed with other metals to make it harder, resulting in other beautiful hues like pink and white.

Rose gold is a mix of copper and gold, sometimes with a little silver.

White gold is yellow gold combined with white metals such as nickel, silver and palladium. Jewelry makers often plated the piece with rhodium to give it a beautiful shine.

Both count as real gold as long as you have a significant amount of gold in them.

Don’t be fooled by fake gold pieces

Just because it shines like gold doesn’t mean you look like a real piece of gold.

With gold being so expensive and sought after, there is no shortage of scammers trying to pass off fake gold as real.

Here are some of the most common ways you can fall victim to scammers trying to scam you out of your money if you’re looking for real gold jewelry.

gold plated

Gold plating is a common technique found on non-real gold jewelry.

This is done by taking a cheap metal – usually brass – and plating it with a very thin layer of gold.

Gold plated or gold plated jewelry may have the look you are looking for, but what you are really buying is gold plated brass and other metals (or gold-like material) and is nowhere near as valuable as real gold.

pyrite

This mineral is usually called “fool’s gold” because it looks so similar to real gold that it’s easy to fool people about its authenticity.

For centuries, many people have been fooled into believing that pyrite is gold, and you may think you’ve found a fortune when you actually see this gleaming metal in your pan after sifting through the earth you’ve dug up.

Gold doesn’t tarnish or change color over time, but pyrite will and you’ll eventually see green and black discoloration on your shiny gold-tone jewelry.

Pinschbeck

This one looks like gold because it mimics the bright gold hue of the original, but it’s actually an alloy of copper and zinc.

Pinchbeck is primarily used to make cheap replicas that you can find in antique stores, costume jewelry, and fakes that you might want to buy at the flea market. It’s actually pretty easy to tell if you’re looking at Pinchbeck, as you can easily bend it with your hands and you should hear a metallic sound as you do so.

gold panning

Buyers and sellers beware – that “gold” jewelry in your hand may actually be sterling silver, with a thin “wash” of gold on the surface.

This process of creating gold-looking pieces became popular in the 1940s when precious metals were in short supply due to World War II.

Unlike real gold, polishing this gold colored jewelry too vigorously can strip the plating.

There’s nothing wrong with owning and selling the above pieces, but it’s important to realize that you’re not getting the original until you spend your hard-earned cash.

That’s why knowing how to test gold is a useful skill, whether you’re buying, selling, or just checking a piece of jewelry.

How to tell if gold is real with a lighter

This test is both simple and extremely effective when done correctly.

Why a lighter? Because most people already have one in their pocket or at home, or you can just buy one at your local supermarket.

Use the right lighter.

Use a butane gas lighter filled with lighter fluid, not an ordinary disposable lighter. You want a big constant flame that’s also extremely hot.

Don’t hold your gold jewelry – hang it up.

For safety, hang your gold jewelry on something non-flammable, like a nail hammered into a wall, or you can use a metal hook to hang your jewelry on. Be careful not to burn your fingers on the super-hot flame and be careful not to ignite anything.

You should also do this test in your garage or outside to avoid unnecessary accidents or damage to your home.

Heat your gold jewelry with the lighter.

Once everything is ready, start testing.

Apply the flame to the jewelry for about a minute or 60 seconds. Watch it closely for color changes.

Fake gold gets darker, while pure gold does the opposite: it gets lighter the hotter it gets.

The lighter your jewelry, you can be sure that you have real gold.

Why it works:

A fundamental property of gold is that, unlike other metals, gold brightens when it gets hot. In contrast, common metals that are mixed with gold, such as iron, copper, and brass, darken when you apply heat.

If you have gold plated jewelry, the gold plate will eventually melt under intense heat, releasing the base metal that covers it.

How to tell if gold is real with a magnet test

You can’t just use any magnet you have lying around your house (like the ones on your fridge) for this test. You will need a strong rare earth magnet, which you can easily buy at a hardware store.

Touch your gold jewelry with the magnet.

Scan your gold jewelry with the magnet and see if it sticks or not. If it sticks, you’re probably holding fake gold.

Why it works:

Pure gold is not magnetic. If you get a reaction testing gold with a magnet, you may have something else with iron or copper in it.

How to tell if gold is real with acid

A few drops of nitric acid can help you determine if gold is real or not. However, this is a dangerous chemical, so be very careful when performing this test.

Wear safety goggles and gloves. Conduct the test in a well-ventilated area. Finally, be aware that this test can damage jewelry if you don’t know what you’re doing, so consider having a professional jeweler do the test for you.

Make a small scratch on your gold jewelry.

Choose a discreet part of your jewelry, e.g. B. in your gold ring or under a clasp. Make a small scratch, gentle but deep enough to get through the top layer of gold.

Apply the nitric acid.

Very gently apply a few drops of the acid to the mark you made.

Observe if the mark turns milky or green. If so, then you probably don’t have real gold.

Why it works:

Gold or a piece composed primarily of gold will not react to nitric acid. However, you will see a milky or green mark if you have an alloy like copper or silver under your gold.

How to use ceramic tile to test if gold is real

Similar to the acid test, this method also scratches your item. But as long as you’re careful, you can test your gold with minimal damage.

Use an unglazed ceramic tile.

You will need an unglazed piece of ceramic tile as you will not get results with glaze. You can get one from your local hardware store or ceramic store.

Take your gold item and gently scratch it against the tile.

Keep scraping until gold fragments start to peel off the piece. A black spot on the tile indicates cheaper metals, while a gold stripe means there’s a good chance you’ve got real gold on your hands.

How to tell if gold is real by looking at water

This test will not damage your jewelry, so you can try it even if you don’t have access to other chemicals.

Fill a container with enough water to submerge your item and have room. Drop your gold piece into the filled container.

Gold sinks fast while it swims or moves very slowly, it means you probably have fake gold on your hands. This also applies if the item floats.

Tarnishing and rusting after being in the water are also signs of fake gold.

Why it works:

Gold is a heavy metal, so it doesn’t float and will sink straight to the bottom of the container. Authentic gold will also never rust or tarnish.

Confirm the results with a professional jeweler

Finally, all of the above tests can help you get a better idea of ​​whether you have real gold or not. However, note that none of these methods are conclusive for testing gold – only a professional jeweler can give you the definitive answer you need.

Most importantly, they know how to check the purity of gold without damaging your piece. So if you have a jewelry heirloom or an item of sentimental value, it’s best to leave that responsibility to a professional.

Schedule a jewelry appraisal in Florida with Gold Galore

Have you inherited a piece of jewelry or two from a family member or friend? Curious about what you have in your possession? Interested in buying? You can contact Gold Galore for expert advice and information about your diamonds and precious metals.

Gold Galore has been one of Florida’s most trusted local jewelers since 1980, and we’re here to help you make the best jewelry choice.

In addition to valuing jewelry, we also sell, buy, repair and manufacture all types of custom jewelry.

Stop by our store, call us at (727) 777-6994, or make an appointment today.

How to Tell if Gold is Real: 11 Easy Ways to Make Sure You Have the Real One

Gold is the fundamental symbol of status, power, immortality and wealth, often restricted to royalty.

Accounts differ as to when the first gold mines were dug and operated. Some say everything dates back to 3,100 B.C. with the ancient Egyptians. Archaeological sites such as the 6,000-year-old mines of the Asosa region in Ethiopia and the 5,500-year-old Sakdrisi mine in Georgia take the systematic practice of gold mining back several thousand years. Some say there are mines in South Africa that are even older.

The ancient Egyptians believed that gold was the flesh of the sun god Ra. Gold is considered luxurious and precious because it is beautiful and easy to work with. It will not tarnish, rust or dissolve (except for aqua regia, the term for nitrohydrochloric acid used in one of the tests below). Gold is difficult to mine: just 50 grams are extracted from a ton of ore. It’s also one of the best conductors of electricity, which is why it’s used so heavily in computers and other technological devices.

WAYS TO CHECK GOLD AUTHENTICITY

This article outlines several tests that you can easily perform at home to help you when you need to know how to tell if gold is real.

The Stamp Test: Look for stamps

A piece of gold jewelry is often engraved with a hallmark, which is a stamp identifying its contents and/or maker. Hallmarks usually appear in an inconspicuous place like the inside of a ring.

The standard clarity scales are based on carat and millesimal fineness. The stamp test, also known as the magnifying glass test, is a good place to start to verify that your gold is genuine.

Characteristics are:

Valid carat purity numbers (such as 8k, 9k, 10k, 14k, 15k, 18k, 20k, 21k, 22k, 23k, and 24k)

Valid millesimal purity numbers (333, 375, 417, 583 or 585, 625, 750, 833, 875, 916, 958 and 999)

Incorrect purity numbers (anything other than the above)

Manufacturers (like ESPO for Esposito etc.)

Hallmarks indicate the purity and maker of the gold to add credibility to a piece’s authenticity and make it easier to identify and verify. Since anyone can engrave any stamp, this level of testing is not 100% foolproof

If the numbers say anything other than the above, then you have fake gold. For example, 800, 925 and 950 do not refer to gold but to silver. Why should they be 925 gold? Because this often means that the jewelry is gold plated with a sterling silver base.

Another thing to look out for is whether the markings indicate that the value was measured in either carats or millesimal fineness. Any numbers other than the above would indicate the gold is counterfeit.

Not all real gold jewelry has hallmarks – for example, older pieces may have had original markings that have worn off.

Look for letter markers

Any gold marked less than 10,000 (41.7% purity) is considered counterfeit.

If you are familiar with the different quality levels, you will quickly recognize the following markings:

gp

GF

GE

GEP

HGP

HEG

You should avoid the above designations when looking for real gold. They all indicate gilding. In the same order they mean:

gold plated

gold filled

gold electroplated

gold electroplated

Heavy gilded

Heavy gold electroplated

These marks indicate that only a small percentage of gold was used to cover a piece made from another type of metal to give it the appearance of gold.

To give you an idea of ​​how the top grades of purity stack up side by side, 24k gold is 99.9% pure, while 18k gold is 75% pure. Absolutely 100% pure gold is unheard of, mainly because pure gold is very soft and would not make a durable piece of jewelry.

The skin test

Look for a bluish or greenish tint on your skin

This test is simple: it involves holding a piece of gold jewelry between your hands for a few minutes. The sweat from your hands either reacts with the metal and changes the color of your skin, or leaves it unaffected. When real gold comes in direct contact with your skin, there is no discoloration. If the gold is fake, your skin will turn black, blue, or green at the points of contact.

An exception to this procedure occurs when you test gold on your skin while wearing a liquid foundation. When gold touches makeup, your skin turns black at the points of contact. Removing makeup before testing makes this test more reliable.

Alternatively, makeup can be used to test gold fastness. Apply a liquid foundation and apply powder on top. Once the makeup has dried, press the jewel against your skin and then gently sweep it over your skin where you have the makeup. If the jewelry leaves a black mark on the makeup, you probably have real gold.

Gold is extremely inert, so jewelry made from real gold will never stain your skin. But using the makeup test is a unique way to also verify that it’s real.

When gold jewelry shows discoloration, it means you have an alloy that has other metals mixed in.

The height and weight test

This test works well on coins and bars. You can

Compare a piece of gold you want to test with one that is already known to be real

Use calipers and a jeweler’s scale or fish tester

Gold is denser than most other metals. If you have a piece that looks too big for its weight or feels too light for its size, then you probably have fake gold.

Bullion coins are real coins made from precious metals, including gold, silver, palladium, or platinum. They serve as collectibles, investments or as a hedge against inflation.

The magnet test

Hold a strong magnet next to a piece of gold and listen for a reaction. Gold is not magnetic, so there should be no attraction to magnets. If so, you most likely do not have real gold.

However, some of the base metals that can be mixed with gold are also non-magnetic, so you can get a false reading. The test is not foolproof, so it’s a good idea to run this in conjunction with another more accurate testing method.

The float test

Just drop the piece into a container of water. Gold is dense. If it doesn’t float at all or levitate off the bottom of the container, you could potentially have real gold.

The ceramic scratch test

Take an unglazed ceramic slab or piece of tile and scratch a piece of gold across its surface. Real gold leaves a golden mark or trail. Other metals leave a black trail.

The Water Test (aka The Density Test)

This is done mathematically. You need

A scale (to weigh the jewelry)

A container with water and

A way to measure the level in millimeters (to measure the water level before and after the jewelry goes into the water)

Now do the calculation: subtract the “before” measurement from the “after” measurement. Then divide the weight of the jewelry by the difference in water levels.

This gives you the density.

The standard density of real gold is 19.3 grams per milliliter (also spelled 19.3 g/mL). Not many other metals come close. If your calculation gives that number, or something very close, you probably have real gold.

When using density to distinguish the authenticity of gold, you also need to keep in mind that there can be differences in density between different types of gold.

For example, the purer the gold, the heavier it will be – and white gold is heavier than yellow. Therefore, the density of gold between 14,000 and 22,000 is between about 12.9 and 17.7 for yellow gold and between about 14 and 17.8 g/ml for white gold.

The acid tests

vinegar test

All this test requires is that a few drops of vinegar be applied to the metal, hopefully in an inconspicuous area.

If the metal is real gold, nothing changes. If the metal is fake gold, it will change color.

The nitric acid test

Gold is a noble metal, which means that it is resistant to corrosion, oxidation and acids. To do this test, rub your gold on a black stone to leave a visible mark. Then apply nitric acid to the mark.

The acid will dissolve any base metal that is not real gold.

If the mark persists, apply nitric acid, also known as aqua regia (75% nitric acid and 25% hydrochloric acid) to the mark. This mixture will dissolve gold so when the stain goes away, the gold is real.

The machine tests

Electronic tester (e.g. Sigma Metalics machine)

Calibrated to be accurate to the minute, the Sigma Metalytics precious metals tester can distinguish between metals in less than a second. While this device works well for measuring bars and coins, Sigma Metalytics recommends the Kee Gold Tester for testing jewelry.

This machine sends electromagnetic waves into the object, passing through surface materials such as packaging or plating, to measure the resistance of the underlying metal. The meter’s display is set to show a specific range of resistance, which may or may not agree with the resistance of each metal the machine has been calibrated to detect.

XRF spectrometer

This machine works by sending X-rays through the gold, boosting its atoms to a higher energy state.

When the excited atoms return to normal, they emit radiation. The machine monitors and analyzes this and uses the radiation reading to identify the material. This method is fast and accurate. It is accurate and far outperforms other methods without damaging the items being tested.

In fact, none of these methods cause chemical or mechanical damage, so they won’t jeopardize the value or integrity of your piece.

The fail-safe test

If you really want to know for sure how much gold is in your gold, the best way to find out is to go to a reputable jeweler and have it tested.

Jewelers have a wide array of methods available to the public to authenticate gold grade. Of course, nothing beats experience. But those trying to pass off inferior metals as real gold have become increasingly sophisticated in their “craft,” so even the jeweler will likely resort to machine verification to be sure.

Most home tests can give you an idea of ​​whether or not your gold is real. While they are all good at showing probabilities, none are 100% conclusive.

The best way to be sure your gold is real is to have it appraised for you by an experienced and reputable jeweler.

Please do not hesitate to share this article with anyone you know who might benefit from the information and caveats it contains.

Gold collectors know that this precious metal has unique properties that can be identified through careful examination. You can learn to identify real gold and avoid being misled by underhanded practices. Protect your wealth and be sure the gold you buy lives up to the published claim.

How to test gold jewelry

Jewelers make an impression in every piece of gold jewelry designed and crafted from real molten gold bullion. Necklaces and bracelets have this hallmark on or near the clasp. Rings have a stamp somewhere on the inside. Sometimes a jeweler’s loupe is required to see the tiny hallmark on fine gold jewelry. The jewelry stamp contains the carat, also called purity, of the piece, e.g. 14K or 24K. Near this stamp is the maker’s stamp, which further clarifies genuine gold jewelry.

You may have an older piece of jewelry without a jewelry mark, so you may be wondering if it is a fake. You will want to run additional tests on the piece.

The acid test

All precious metals can be tested with an acid test, which only harms counterfeit materials. Real gold will stand up to your attempt to do a nitric acid test at home. Make a tiny mark on the gold piece to pierce the surface. Drop a small amount of liquid nitric acid on this scratch and wait for a chemical reaction. Fake gold immediately turns green where the acid is. Gold over sterling silver will look milky. Gold does not react to the nitric acid. The desired result is a clear drop of liquid that does not change color.

Learn how to avoid costly rookie mistakes and invest in gold like a pro! Get the Free Gold Investor’s Guide

The magnet test

Real gold does not attract magnets. The magnet test is the most convenient and portable test for real gold as the magnet can be carried in your pocket. Imitation gold and other alloys attract the magnet. Coins can appear like gold when in reality the surface just looks gold. The magnet would expose the underlying metal.

Using the float test

A cup of water is all you need for another important test. Any piece of real gold will instantly sink to the bottom of any liquid. Imitation gold floats or levitates above the bottom of the container. In addition, real gold does not rust or discolor when wet.

skin test

Skin discoloration from wearing fake gold jewelry is not a myth. For this test, simply hold the gold in your hand for a few minutes. Sweat on the skin creates a chemical reaction with the gold. The skin will turn discolored (black or green) if the gold is not real. Real gold does not react with the skin. Jewelers can determine the content of each piece of gold jewelry. Certified consultants perform further tests that show the weight and purity of the real gold.

This gives you a 100% accurate gold test

These DIY gold authentication tests are a great place to start if you’re curious about an item’s authenticity. However, they are not reliable or accurate when it comes to buying, selling or investing in gold.

If you want a professional valuation, it is best to take your gold coins and bars to a highly qualified and experienced bullion advisor such as Scottsdale Bullion & Coin. This is the only way to get an accurate gold test.

At Scottsdale Bullion & Coin, we use industry-leading gold testing equipment to accurately determine the authenticity of gold coins, bars and other precious metals. Watch the video below to learn more about the gold testing machines our experts use.

Gold is probably the most valuable of the so-called precious metals, having been used in art and jewelry for centuries and more recently found applications in medicine, coins and more. Hydrochloric acid, better known today as hydrochloric acid, is a simple, caustic liquid with well-studied chemical properties. If gold is only treated with hydrochloric acid, nothing happens. But when hydrochloric acid is combined with nitric acid to treat gold, the gold dissolves. You may be wondering: why would anyone want to do that?

Chemical basics

The chemical formula for hydrochloric acid is HCl, for nitric acid HNO3. Each of them can donate a hydrogen atom or proton that carries a positive charge. In the case of hydrochloric acid, this leaves a chloride ion, Cl-; with nitric acid, a nitrate ion remains and has the formula NO3-. The name of the product that can dissolve gold is aqua regia, which is Latin for “royal water.” It’s a mixture of 3 parts HCl to 1 part HNO3 or something like that.

purpose

On the surface, dissolving something valuable seems tantamount to self-sabotage. However, dissolving gold that contains chemical impurities can increase its value because the gold can be reconstituted in pure elemental form in a series of steps. First, the gold is placed in aqua regia until it has completely dissolved. Next, a small amount of urea is added along with a precipitant, causing the dissolved gold to begin to form back as a solid. The gold, now free of impurities such as platinum, can be recovered by filtering, rinsing and drying.

reactions

Two separate reactions take place in the gold dissolving process. The nitric acid acts as an oxidizing agent, with three molecules of the acid each donating a proton to gold to give it a +3 positive charge. Simultaneously, chloride ions resulting from the separation of HCl into its components combine with the newly oxidized gold to form chlorau ions, or AuCl4-. This provides more unionized gold for the nitric acid to work on, ultimately dissolving all of the gold present.

security

How accurate is the acid test for gold?

Given that gold is both expensive and popular, you can find many alleged gold counterfeits in the market. This problem has existed for thousands of years as people break down the original into various alloys. In fact, that’s where the Karat system comes from. In this article, I discuss one of the basic ways to test gold: the acid test and how accurate the acid test is for gold.

There are several basic methods to determine the authenticity of gold. Many of them have been around since the metal itself. Unfortunately, a testing method’s age tends to match its accuracy. For example, a moneylender from 100 B.C. probably would have felt enough gold coins to do the “skin test” ie the sense of density (weight vs size) and warmth.

Unfortunately, this can be very unreliable, especially with the proliferation of counterfeit precious metals and currencies. Next came license plates (national and eventually private) and more recent “simple” methods of testing the shiny metal involve the use of magnets and water displacement.

Why am I writing about how accurate acid tests are for gold? For most readers who work with gold in any way, the endurance test is the cheapest and quickest way to test gold.

The reason we can even question how accurate acid tests for gold are, and the reason there are multiple ways to test gold is because of its chemical properties. Gold is durable and extremely stable in technical applications and therefore also in financial ones, for the following reasons and many more.

A Brief Summary of Gold (Au) Properties

Gold is resistant to oxidation – it does not rust. It’s non-magnetic. Gold is a better conductor of heat and electricity than most elements

The only way to dissolve gold is with nitric acid. Technically, gold is extremely malleable, malleable, and malleable.

Since gold is sectile (it can be split by cutting), it must be alloyed with other metals, for example. Gold alloys are typically measured using the karat system. A karat is the unit equal to 1/24th of the real gold in the alloy. 24k gold is pure gold. 18k gold is just 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts other metal (karat system).

The purity of gold can also be examined based on the millesimal fineness system, in which the gold is reported in parts per thousand of real gold by mass in the alloy. According to the Canadian Competition Authority, items valued less than 9,000 are not recognized as gold in a commercial sense.

Okay, now you are familiar with the properties of gold. Next, you probably want to find out if your gold is “real or not”. To focus on whether or not it’s accurate, it may be worth reading about acid testing for gold before proceeding. With that covered, let’s move on to how accurate acid tests are for gold.

Why determine how accurate acid tests are for gold?

If you haven’t read our article on acid testing gold, the gold acid test is the most popular and most accurate test that you can do almost anywhere. You can use it anywhere for jewelry or even as a part to determine if a gold bar is genuine. This is because counterfeit materials can only be damaged or damaged. Please note that it is not advisable to perform this test on jewelry that you intend to keep or resell. This test is recommended for scrap gold. The acid test is also the cheapest way to test gold. A basic acid test kit usually comes with a black touchstone and several acid solutions.

You need to know how accurate acid tests for gold are for two reasons. First, because you want to find out if gold is real and a false positive could cost you a lot of money. Second, you want to find out exactly how much gold is in what you have or are buying. In other words, where does it fall on the carat or fineness scale? And most importantly, can you trust it?

So how accurate is an acid test for gold?

If you consider that it dates back to the 8th century, the use of “aqua regia” in the endurance test is as much an art as it is a science. First, let’s talk about technical precision. Acid tests have a relatively high tolerance. In other words, they’re a good rough estimate of gold by the karat scale, and even then, you shouldn’t rely on them to the decimal point. Simply put, acid tests aren’t always the most accurate.

Most acid kits contain materials for testing 10k, 14k, 18k, and 22k gold. The acid rounds to the nearest test solution. It won’t tell you if it’s 13k or 18.5k… Another problem with the hardness test is that certain types of stainless steel can pass as 18k gold. As counterfeiting techniques become stronger and more advanced, they become increasingly difficult to detect. We rely more heavily on the 14K acid and the 22K acid. That way you’re testing two very different amounts of gold, rather than potentially making a hazy distinction. Most of the time, an acid test with 14K acid can spot 10K gold even to the lightly trained eye. Likewise, a 22K acid will show you very clearly that something isn’t 18K, while an 18K acid is less reliable. But that’s just my experience. Oh, and make sure the acid hasn’t expired.

A more technical point of not-so-common sense is that for best results, let the acid eat into the gold. That is, cut into or break the metal because the acid can’t see what’s inside.

Should You Go For “Safer” Alternatives?

It’s important to note that acid testing can damage jewelry as you must physically scratch it before applying the acid. The acid is also very corrosive and dangerous. You should wear gloves and use caution when performing the test. It can also be harmful to the metal if that metal is significantly less than the strength of the acid. Otherwise, acid testing is probably the most pragmatic way to test gold.

When dealing with precious metals, a precise analysis is crucial. The XRF analyzer is a more advanced method of testing gold. It is very specific to determine what metal is in the jewelry. It is of course much more expensive and not a traditional do-it-yourself test. The XRF is what companies trading precious metals will most likely use. The XRF doesn’t penetrate too deep into the metal either, only microns in fact, whereas you go a little deeper with the acid test. Either way, it helps to cut in and test. This makes the endurance test probably the most cost-effective and most accurate of all “at home” tests. Just don’t rely on the precision.