How To Check Gold Purity at Home?

Fake gold is not easy to differentiate but you can check gold purity at home.
Gold Loan
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4 min
17 July 2024

Gold has always been a preferred investment option for many people in India. But before investing in gold, it is important to know the purity of the gold you are investing in. In this article, we will discuss how to check gold purity at home, which purity of gold can be used as collateral for a gold loan, and other things you need to know about gold purity.

  1. Hallmarking:The easiest and most reliable way to identify the purity of gold is by checking its hallmark, specifically the BIS Hallmark . Gold Hallmarking is a process of certifying the purity of gold by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). A hallmark consists of five components: the BIS logo, the fineness number in carat or percentage, the hallmarking year, the assaying, and the jeweller's identification mark. You can easily check the hallmark, including the BIS Hallmark of your gold at home by using a magnifying glass.
  2. Magnet test: A magnet test is a simple method to check whether your gold is pure or not. Pure gold is not magnetic, so if your gold attracts the magnet, it means it is not pure. However, this test is not very reliable as some fake gold items are also non-magnetic.
  3. Nitric acid test: This test is considered the most reliable way to check the purity of gold. However, it requires the use of nitric acid, which can be dangerous if not handled properly. To perform this test, you need to scratch the gold over a stone and apply a drop of nitric acid to the scratch. If the gold turns green, it means it is not pure.
  4. Density test: This test is based on the fact that pure gold has a higher density than fake gold. To perform this test, you need to weigh your gold item in air and in water. If the weight in water is less than the weight in air, it means that the gold is not pure.
  5. Colour test: This test is based on the fact that pure gold has a yellow colour, while other metals added to fake gold can change its colour. To perform this test, you need to compare the colour of your gold with a known pure gold item. However, this test is not very reliable as there are some other factors that can affect the colour of gold.

When it comes to gold loan, only gold of 18 karats or above can be used as collateral. Gold of lower purity is not accepted by banks or financial institutions. It is important to note that the loan amount will depend on the weight and purity of the gold. So, it is crucial to know the purity of your gold before taking a loan against it.

DIY tests to check gold at home

In addition to the common methods like hallmarking, magnet tests, and nitric acid tests, here are some other ways you can test the purity of gold at home:

  1. Ceramic plate test: Rub the gold item on an unglazed ceramic plate. Real gold will leave a golden streak, while fake gold will leave a black or grey streak. This test is simple but may scratch the gold item, so use it with caution.
  2. Vinegar test: Place a few drops of vinegar on your gold item. Genuine gold will not react to the vinegar, maintaining its colour and shine, whereas fake gold may change colour or react visibly to the acid.
  3. Float test: Drop the gold item into a container of water. Pure gold is dense and will sink immediately. If the item floats or hovers, it is likely not pure gold. This method is quick and non-destructive.
  4. Sound test: Tap the gold item with a metal object and listen to the sound it produces. Real gold has a distinct, high-pitched ringing sound, while fake gold produces a duller, less resonant sound.
  5. Weight and size comparison: Compare the weight and size of your gold item with a piece of known pure gold of the same size. Pure gold is heavier and denser than most fake gold items, so a noticeable difference in weight may indicate lower purity.
  6. Loupe examination: Use a jeweller's loupe or magnifying glass to closely examine the gold item for any imperfections or signs of tarnishing. Pure gold is highly resistant to tarnishing and corrosion, so any signs of discolouration may suggest impurities.

By employing these methods, you can gain a better understanding of how to check gold purity at home, identify real gold from fake gold, and ensure the authenticity of your gold items.

Things to know about gold purity

  1. The purity of gold is measured in karats or percentage. 24 karats or 100% gold is the purest form of gold.
  2. Gold purity can be affected by the addition of other metals like copper, silver, or zinc.
  3. The right purity of gold can depend on the intended use of the gold. For example, gold used for jewellery is usually of 22 or 18 karats, while investment gold is usually of 24 karats.
  4. It is important to buy gold from a trusted seller to ensure its purity and avoid any fraudulent activity.

In conclusion, it is important to know how to check gold purity at home before investing or using it as collateral for a loan. There are several methods to check gold purity at home, including hallmarking, magnet test, nitric acid test, density test, and colour test. Knowing the right purity of gold can also help you make the right investment decisions. So, always buy gold from a trusted seller and check its purity before investing in it.

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

Frequently asked questions

How can you tell if gold is pure at home?

You can perform a simple acid test by rubbing the gold onto a black testing stone, applying a drop of testing acid of varying concentrations, and observing the reaction. Alternatively, you could use a magnet to check if the gold is attracted, as pure gold is non-magnetic. Another option is to measure its density by weighing it in air and then weighing it again while submerged in water, as pure gold has a density of 19.3g/cm3.

What is the easiest way to test gold?

The easiest way is to use a gold testing kit that includes a testing stone, testing acids, and a user guide. This kit can be bought online or from a jewellery store. You can also perform a magnet test with a strong magnet to see if the gold is attracted to it, which would suggest that it may be fake or mixed with other metals.

How do jewellers test gold purity?

Jewellers use a variety of methods to test gold purity, including acid tests, electronic gold testers, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Acid tests involve using a testing kit with different strengths of nitric acid to determine the karat value of the gold. Electronic gold testers measure the conductivity of the metal to determine its purity. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is a more advanced method that uses X-rays to analyse the chemical composition of the metal. Most jewellers use a combination of these methods to ensure accurate results.

How can I test gold quickly at home?

To quickly test gold at home, you can use the magnet test, float test, or vinegar test. Hold a magnet near the gold item, if it’s attracted, it's not pure gold. Drop the gold item into water—pure gold will sink. Apply a few drops of vinegar on the gold, if the gold is genuine it won't react or change colour. These quick tests help you identify real gold without specialised equipment.

How can I check the purity of my gold coin at home?

To check the purity of your gold coin at home, you can use the ceramic plate test, weight comparison, or a hallmark inspection. Rub the coin on an unglazed ceramic plate; pure gold leaves a golden streak. Weigh the coin and compare it to a known pure gold coin of the same size. Inspect for hallmarks under a magnifying glass to confirm its purity.

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