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How to Do a Field Test to Find Out if a Metal Is Gold or Not

The gold rush may have officially ended in the 1800s, but there is still plenty of that precious shiny metal to be found nestled in amongst mountain riverbeds and streams. Anyone serious about searching out gold -- or even those keen to test the purity of gold they already own -- needs to know a few simple field tests. These tests will help you immediately ascertain if all that glitters is truly gold.

Things You'll Need

  • Magnet
  • Shard of glass
  • Hydrochloric acid
  • Porcelain tile
  • Pipette
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold a magnet to the metal. If it is attracted to the magnet the metal is not gold.

    • 2

      Using a pipette, drop a small amount of Hydrochloric acid onto the metal. If it begins to dissolve, the metal is not pure gold.

    • 3

      Rub the metal against an unglazed porcelain tile. If the streak is yellow, it is gold. Pyrite, commonly mistaken for gold, will leave a black streak.

    • 4

      Attempt to scratch a piece of glass with the metal. If the metal successfully scratches the glass, it is not gold.


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