Testmethod 1
This is a simple and quick way to determine the purity of gold. This method of testing is enough, for example, purchase gold.
To make a simple touchstonetest of a gold or silver object, we need:
- An object to test
- Acids for 8, 14, 18 and 21.6 karat gold. There is also acid for silver.
- A touchstone
We don't know the purity of the item to test.
Scratch the item against the touchstone. It should be a firm long scratch.
Add first some 8 karat acid on the gold scratch. If there is no reaction, we are sure that the item is at least 8 karat. When the gold scratch disappears, the item isn't gold. Now we add some 14 karat
acid next to 8 karat test. If there is no reaction, we are sure that the item is at least 14 karat. When the gold scratch disappears, the item should be between 8 and 10 karat gold. Next to this test we add some 18 karat acid. If the gold scratch disappears, you can assume that the item is 14 karat gold.
For a more precise determination, it is necessary to use testneedles. A testneedle is a brass needle to which a gold alloy has been soldered, of which quality has been determined closely. For this method, see Test Method 2.
Caution!
When white gold is to be determined by using acid for gold, gives stainless steel the same result. Stainless steel does not give an reaction when acid 8, 14.18 and 21.6 kt is used and is for the inexperienced assessor difficult to assess. When using acid for Stainless steel is it very easy to determine whether it is Gold or Stainless steel.
1.
Scratch the item against the touchstone. It should be a firm long scratch.
2.
Add some 8 karat acid on the scratch. If there is no reaction, we are sure that the item is at least 8 karat. When the gold scratch disappears, the item isn't gold.
3.
Now we add some 14 karat acid next to 8 karat test. If there is no reaction, we are sure that the item is at least 14 karat. When the gold scratch disappears, the item should be between 8 and 10 karat gold. Next to this test we add some 18 karat acid.
4.
If the gold scratch disappears, you can assume that the item is 14 karat gold.
