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Testing gold at home requires a gold test kit. (Note: You could also experiment with an electronic gold tester. Even as a professional gold buyer, though, I relied on the simple acid test kit) The kit contains assorted small bottles of nitric acid - diluted to various strengths. The kit also contains a small black test stone.
There are two main gold tests that involve the acid test kit: the scratch test and the destructive test. In most cases the scratch test is sufficient The destructive test digs deeper into the gold item, below any possible plating.
SCRATCH TEST
1. Scratch an edge of the item against the test stone. Scratch back and forth a few times as if you were erasing pencil marks, but more forcefully.
2. Drip a drop of gold testing acid (10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K) onto the streak you left behind (from the scratch).
3. Judge the purity by the acid reaction:
A. Acid bubbles green = not gold.
B. Streak disappears = not gold
C. Streak turns brown = gold item is lower karatage than the chosen test acid
D. Streak remains the same = gold item is the same or higher karatage as the chosen test acid
For reaction C, test again with a lower karat test acid.
For reaction D, test again with a higher karat test acid (unless the piece clearly shows a katrata marking). For example, if the gold item is stamped "14K" and was unharmed by 14K acid, there is no need to retest with 18K acid.
DESTRUCTIVE TEST
1. Using a test file or the file from a Leatherman tool, file into the chosen item.
2. Then drip a drop of acid into the cut..
3. Determine the purity of the item according to the acid reaction.
A. Acid bubbles green = not gold
B. Test site/spot turns brown = gold item is lower karatage than the chosen test acid
C. Test site/spot remains unchanged = gold item is the same or higher karatage as the chosen test acid
You can learn more about acid test kits (and see a picture) and the testing process at the links below.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
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Can you test gold with Clorox?
Yes you can . Fake Gold turns black and the real gold stays shinny.
How can test real gold to fake gold?
There are many different factors that can "fool" any single test. Best is to take it to a pro.
Different ways to test gold at home?
ACID
How do you use bleach to test if gold is real?
Dip your balls in the bleach.
How do you test see if real gold?
You can get a magnifying glass and if there are white or plastic colored specks its fake other wise its real
How can you tell if you have real gold neckless?
You can tell if you have a real gold necklace by checking its hardness, luster, specific gravity, streak, cleavage, and fracture, if all the properties match with the properties of gold you have a gold necklace.
How can you test gold to see if its real?
acid test
Are there any household items that can be used to test if gold is real?
You can use a magnet to test if the piece of "gold" is magnetic or not. Gold is not magnetic, so if it is attracted then it is not real.
How do you tell if gold is real if it has no writing?
Take it to see Money Mart, they can test it or find a gold test kit
what is the best home test to check if a metal is gold Is the water test a good test for gold if it sinks?
if the metal sinks in water is is proof it is gold
Can you test gold with Clorox?
Yes you can . Fake Gold turns black and the real gold stays shinny.
How can test real gold to fake gold?
There are many different factors that can "fool" any single test. Best is to take it to a pro.
Can you use a magnet to test real gold?
I heard that if you use a magnet and it's attracted strongly to the metal then is's not real gold?
Different ways to test gold at home?
ACID
How do you use bleach to test if gold is real?
Dip your balls in the bleach.
White gold 18k?
Yes Real solid white gold it is 18k+ and 21k in acid test !
How do you test if a coin is gold?
You rub the edge on a rough brick wall, if it is grey or silverish under neath, it is not real gold , if it still looks gold underneath, that it OS most probably real
