How to Spot Real Gold: Easy Tests Before You Sell
One of the simplest ways to check if your gold is real is to see if there is a hallmark or purity stamp. In many countries, gold jewelry and bars will have certified markings that indicate their karat value. These stamps are given by licensed regulatory organizations. However fake stamps also exist, so test your gold twice. Do a Magnet Test Gold is not magnetic, so a simple test is to bring a strong magnet close to your gold item. If it sticks to your gold then it has other metals. While this test can identify fake gold, some real gold items may have small amounts of magnetic alloys, so test your gold further. Use the Float Test Gold is heavy and will not float on water. Put your gold coin in a bowl of water. if it sinks immediately, it is real. If it floats, it can be fake or mixed with lighter metals. Test with Nitric Acid A more advanced method is the acid test where a jeweler puts a tiny scratch of gold under a few drops of nitric acid. Real gold will not react, whereas fake ...