How to Distinguish Gold?
Gold is a precious metal used in the manufacture of jewelry and gemstones. It is also used in many industrial and medical applications. Due to the high value of gold, there may be some people who try to sell fake gold. Therefore, it is important to know how to distinguish real gold from fake.
There are many ways to identify the difference between real gold and fake gold. Here are some of the most common methods:
- Magnet test
Gold is a non-magnetic metal, so if it sticks to a magnet, it is fake.
- Acid test
Real gold can be tested using nitric acid or hydrochloric acid. Drop a drop of acid on the gold. If the color does not change, the gold is real. If there is a color change to yellow or black, it is fake.
- Sound test
When you strike a gold piece with a small hammer, it should produce a clear, high-pitched sound. If it produces a dull or raspy sound, it is fake.
- Weight test
Gold is a dense metal, so the gold piece should be heavier than fake metal.
- Stamp test
Original gold pieces usually bear a stamp indicating the gold karat. For example, the lettering "18K" means that the gold piece is 18-karat gold.
- Corrosion test
Gold is a non-corroding metal, so if the gold piece corrodes, it is fake.
- Calibration test
A seal from a reputable jeweler or jewelry store that commonly sells gold usually confirms real gold.
If you do not have any specific tests, you can have the gold piece checked by a reliable jeweler.
The following tips can help you avoid buying fake gold:
- Buy gold from a trusted source, such as a licensed jeweler.
- Ask the store for a certificate for the gold.
- Examine the gold piece carefully before you buy it.
