Distinguish genuine gold from counterfeit; The method of distinguishing the original gold from the counterfeit is one of the things that buyers and finders of this valuable element should be familiar with. But how can genuine gold be distinguished from counterfeit gold?
How to distinguish genuine gold from counterfeit
Gold is one of the most valuable elements of the planet, which has a special place in various industries, especially in the manufacture of jewelry, due to its astonishing strength and brilliance. The unprecedented rise in the price of gold in recent years has made people more sensitive to buying and selling it; Because only a small mistake can cause them irreparable damage.
Fortunately, the method of distinguishing genuine gold from counterfeit, contrary to popular belief, is by no means a difficult task. Then join us to introduce you to 10 of the easiest of these methods.
1. Check letters and numbers engraved on gold
This method is used to ensure the authenticity of gold artifacts. Numbers and letters engraved on gold can give you different information. For example, the three-digit code 916 means that 91.6% pure gold was used to make jewelry. The Latin letter K next to the numbers also indicates the size of the piece. For example, the term 24K means 24 carat gold.
Sometimes letters such as T, E and M are also seen on the product, which are actually derived from the first letter of the names of the cities of Tehran, Isfahan and Mashhad; That is, the jewel was made in one of the mentioned cities. Also keep in mind that the absence of a code or number on gold does not necessarily mean that it is counterfeit.
2. Pulling gold on the skin
You can do this test in two ways. In the first method, you have to hold the piece in your hands for a few minutes. Original gold does not show any reaction with sweat and skin oil. But impure gold makes your skin a little black, blue or green. In the second method, you have to apply liquid cosmetics (such as lipstick) on your skin and then apply the piece on it. Counterfeit gold leaves streaks of black and green on your skin.
3. The method of distinguishing the original gold from the counterfeit with the help of a magnet
Gold is one of those metal elements that is not absorbed by magnets. So if you notice a small movement in the piece as you approach the magnet, know that it is not the original piece or that its impurity percentage is high. Of course, keep in mind that this test does not necessarily mean that gold is genuine, and that some of the non-magnetic metals used to make the rhinestones are not attracted to the magnet (albeit strongly).
4. Throwing gold in a bowl of water
As you know, the density of gold is very high. Therefore, if you put it in a container of water, it will not float at all and will go to the depth of the container.
Another way is to accurately measure the weight of gold using a digital scale. Then balance the water container and zero the marker. Now put the gold in the container (water does not spill out of the container) and read the number of scales. If after dividing the first number by the second number, the number 19.3 (standard density of gold) is obtained, it means that your gold has a high purity.
5. Use of nitric acid
One definitive way to detect genuine gold is to use nitric acid; Because these two substances do not react with each other. First, scrape part of the gold surface to a certain depth. Then place it in a steel container and pour nitric acid on it with a dropper (follow the safety tips during the test). If the liquid turns green, know that your gold is counterfeit.
Note that in this method, the gold surface must be scratched. Therefore, if the jewelry has a spiritual value, it is better to use other methods to identify the original gold.
6. Putting ice on gold
Gold has a high thermal conductivity due to its atomic and molecular structure. Place pieces of ice on the surface of your jewelry. If the ice melts faster than usual, it means they are made of gold.
7. How to distinguish genuine gold from vinegar and Vitex
Due to its acidic properties, vinegar reacts with the metals used in rhinestones and changes their color. But it has no effect on gold.
Vitex or other strong acids can also help you identify the original gold. Pour a drop of Vitex on the gold. If the color of the surface changes to brown or green, it means that the test piece is really made of gold. Also keep in mind that using Vitex can corrode gold.
8. Biting gold
As mentioned earlier, gold has a relatively high strength. However, it is not resistant to tooth pressure and deforms. So if after biting a coin or medal you see the place of your teeth on it, you are probably on the side of the original gold.
9. Recognize the original gold with the help of iodine
Apply some iodine to the surface of the gold and then wipe it off. If there is no trace of iodine, it means that gold is the original.
10. Method of distinguishing the original gold from the counterfeit using ceramics
In this method, you have to pull the desired piece into a ceramic dish (without glaze). If the trace left on the ceramic is golden, it means that the piece is made of gold. But if the lines were black, it means that the piece has a lot of impurities or is made of another material altogether.
What other methods do you recommend to distinguish genuine gold from counterfeit? Please share it with us and other click audiences.
