Gold Purity Testing Methods: A Comprehensive Guide

Testing gold purity is essential to ensure you get what you pay for. The most common method is the Acid Test, where nitric acid is applied to a scratch on the gold. Different concentrations indicate different karats.

Another method is the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) machine, used by professionals. It provides a non-destructive analysis of the metal composition. For home users, verify the hallmarks and use a magnet test as a first line of defense.