How to Tell If Gold Is Real With a Magnet?

Gold is very distinctive in appearance and there are tests to determine if it is real. Nitric acid is sometimes used to test the validity of gold. Most jewelers have a "makers mark" that is imprinted on their jewelry and it can be found with a visual inspection. Looking for a "makers mark" can be misleading because of forgeries and over time the mark gets worn down. A magnet can be used to determine validity of the gold.

Things You'll Need

• Magnet

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place the gold on a flat table. Place the magnet next to the gold.

   • 2

     Slide the gold over to the magnet. Move the magnet away from the gold.

   • 3

     Observe to see if the two are attracted. If the gold is attracted to the magnet, then the gold is not real.