We all know that gold is valuable, but what if that piece of gold you’re holding onto isn’t really gold at all? The reality is, due to the demand for this asset, there are groups out there who are looking to make a quick buck and in return give you a fake product.
And let’s be honest, do you really know what that old jewelry you have lying around is made of? Luckily, there are some simple tests that you can do at home to test whether something is made of real or fake gold.
Keep reading to learn how to tell if something is real gold!
The Magnet Test
Whether you are looking to test your recently purchased investor crate or that ring from your grandmother that has been laying around, the magnet test is one of the easiest and simplest ways to test for real gold. Unlike other metals, pure gold is not magnetic and will not react at all to a magnet.
Use a strong magnet to try to pick up your item in question. If you are able to do so, then you know that your item contains at least some other metal. If there seems to be some attraction to the magnet but you are unable to actually pick up the item, it’s like that your item has a low percentage of gold.
Density Test
Another simple test to conduct at home is testing the density of the item. Gold is a very dense metal and should sink when placed in water.
Grab a cup large enough to hold your item and fill it with water. Place your item in the cup. If it sinks straight to the bottom, it is likely real gold. If it floats, then you can be certain it is not.
Nitric Acid
This test requires a material you may not have lying around the house but can be a great indicator of whether your item is real or fake. But be careful, if you are testing jewelry you wish to keep and it turns out to be fake, this can cause damage.
Take your item in question and make a small scratch on its surface. Apply a few drops of nitric acid to the scratch. If there is no reaction, then your item is likely real gold.
If the scratched region turns green, then it is likely another type of metal. And if the scratch turns a milky color, then it is like likely gold plated over silver.
Professional Appraisal
If you are still unsure about the authenticity of your item, consider taking it to be professionally appraised. This is the only way to be 100% sure whether your item is real gold or not.
You can take it to a local certified jeweler or a precious metal consultant where they will be able to tell you exactly what your item is.
How To Tell If Something Is Real Gold
Now that you know how to tell if something is real gold, you can finally be sure about your item in question. Whether you are an avid gold collector or simply have some old jewelry lying around, knowing the value of these items can greatly benefit your wallet.
Owning a little bit of gold can help give you financial stability and peace of mind.
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