How to check gold purity at home before investing or availing a loan
Gold has always been a favourite investment for many people in India. But before you put your money into gold, it is important to know exactly how pure it is. In this article, we will explain easy ways to check gold purity at home, which types of gold can be used for a gold loan, and other key things to know about gold quality.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: Turn your gold into instant support—handle any expense with ease. Check your gold loan eligibility and access funds when you need them most.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Tip: It takes just 2 steps to check your eligibility for a Bajaj Finance Gold Loan. Enter your mobile number now.
