Gold
GoldTesting
TestingGuide
Guide
Building Trust with Verification
Building Trust with Verification
Table of Contents
Introduction
Understanding Gold Alloys
Common Element Concentrations in Gold Alloys .............................................................4
Gold Testing Methods: Benefits and Limitations
Why Density and Conductivity Methods Require XRF
Combining XRF with Density and Conductivity: How Does It Work? .............................6
Sample Types and Detection Procedures ...........................................................................7
Pure Gold Bullions, Bars, and Coins without a Package ..................................................7
Testing Procedure ....................................................................................................................7
Coins and Bullions in Plastic Blisters....................................................................................8
Testing Procedure
Monolith Alloy Jewelry without Gemstones ........................................................................9
Testing Procedure ....................................................................................................................9
Gemstone and Bimetal Jewelry .............................................................................................10
Testing Procedure ....................................................................................................................10
General Equipment Tips .........................................................................................................10
Conclusion
Products Related to Gold Testing .........................................................................................11
Vanta™ GX Precious Metal Analyzer.....................................................................................11
Vanta Handheld XRF for Precious Metals Analysis............................................................11
EPOCH™ 650 Ultrasonic Flaw Detector ...............................................................................12
Introduction
In the gold industry, trust is everything. Whether you are a pawnbroker, gold dealer, or jeweler,
the integrity of your business hinges on your ability to accurately assess the value of the gold
you buy and sell.
Unfortunately, the market is rife with counterfeit and low-purity gold that can deceive even
the most experienced professionals. The consequences of purchasing fake or low-grade gold
can be severe, ranging from financial losses to reputational damage.
This guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect your
business from these risks. By understanding the various forms of counterfeit gold and learning
how to implement a multi-method detection process, you will be better equipped to identify
fakes before they become costly mistakes.
3 Ims.EvidentScientific.com
Understanding Gold Alloys
A gold alloy is a mixture of gold with one or more other metals. These added metals can include
copper, silver, zinc, palladium, and nickel, among others (see Table 1). The type and proportion
of these metals affect not only the color and durability of the alloy but its purity, which is
measured in karats (see Figure 1).
Common Element Concentrations in Gold Alloys
Common gold alloys are mixtures of gold with other metals to improve strength and alter color. Yellow
gold typically contains gold, silver, and copper, preserving the classic warm hue while remaining relatively
expensive due to high gold content. White gold combines gold with palladium or nickel, resulting in a
silvery appearance and slightly lower price. Rose gold gets its pinkish tint from a higher copper ratio and is
generally more affordable. The final color and value of an alloy depend on both the purity (karat) and the
type of metals mixed with gold.
Gold
Element Min (%) Max (%) Au [%]
Gold (Au) 37.5 99.9
Copper (Cu) 0 40
Silver (Ag) 0 30
Nickel (Ni) 0 15
Zinc (Zn) 0 8 50 50
Palladium (Pd) 0 25
Platinum (Pt) 0 5
Iron (Fe) 0 0.5
Aluminum (Al) 0 10
Silver Copper
Cadmium (Cd) 0 5 50
Ag [%] Cu [%]
Tin (Sn) 0 1
Figure 1. Diagram showing how gold alloy colors change with chemical
Table 1. Common element concentrations in gold alloys. composition. Source: On the Invention of Gold Metallurgy: The Gold Objects
If one of these elements exceeds the value specified from the Varna I Cemetery (Bulgaria)—Technological Consequence and Inventive
in the table, this is a signal for additional verification. Creativity, ResearchGate.
Many established methods are available to test gold alloys and pure gold. One industry standard method
is X-ray fluorescence (XRF), which tells you the elements and amount of each element in a sample in
seconds. You can use this detailed composition analysis to verify purity, karats, and precious metal content
in gold samples. The XRF data also guides decisions when combined with other methods such as density
measurement, conductivity testing, and ultrasonic testing. Table 2 highlights the benefits and limitations
of each method.
4 Ims.EvidentScientific.com
Gold Testing Methods: Benefits and Limitations
Testing Method Benefits Limitations
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) • Provides a detailed chemical • Limited depth penetration of <20 microns
composition analysis
• Nondestructive
• Fast
• Can detect plating as thin as 20 microns
Ultrasonic Testing • Detects internal flaws, such as voids or • Cannot detect thin plating
hollow sections
• Requires skill to interpret results accurately
• Provides a cross-sectional view of the item
• Can test only flat objects
• Need to know the exact chemical composition for
accurate results
Magnetic Testing • Simple and quick test to identify • Cannot detect nonmagnetic counterfeits
ferromagnetic materials (e.g., iron in
• Limited effectiveness for gold alloys with low
counterfeit gold)
magnetic content
Electrical Conductivity • Measures the conductivity of the material, • Requires comparison with known chemical composition
which can indicate the presence of non-
Testing • Less effective for distinguishing between
gold materials
different gold alloys
• Shape and temperature of the sample can affect
the measurement
Density Measurement • Simple method to estimate purity based on • Ineffective for detecting pure gold from tungsten fakes
weight and volume
• Requires knowing the exact chemical composition for
• Can detect hollow or gold-filled items calculations
Visual and Loupe • Inexpensive • Highly subjective; depends on the
Inspection • Straightforward inspector's experience
• Can detect obvious surface irregularities • High false detection rate
or signs of tampering
Acid Testing • Portable • Partially destructive (may leave marks on the item)
• Inexpensive • Low accuracy and effectiveness with higher karat gold
and gold alloys
• Cannot be used with other methods
Table 2. Benefits and limitations of common gold testing methods.
5 Ims.EvidentScientific.com
Why Density and Conductivity Methods
Require XRF
Density and electrical conductivity are valuable methods for assessing gold. However, their accuracy hinges on
knowing the exact composition of the alloy—not just its gold content. Different metals mixed with gold, such
as copper, silver, or nickel, affect the overall density and conductivity of the alloy. Without precise information
about these other elements, which XRF analysis can provide, density and conductivity measurements alone
can be misleading. For example, two alloys with the same gold concentration but different secondary metals
can have very different densities and conductivity levels (see Table 3). Without XRF to identify the complete
alloy composition, you risk misinterpreting these tests, potentially leading to incorrect conclusions about
the purity or authenticity of the gold.
Sample Silver % Gold % Cadmium % Copper % Nickel % Palladium % Zinc % Density Conductivity
(g/cm³) (IACS %)
Sample 1 13 75.3 0 13.14 0 0 0 15.36 80.6
Sample 2 0 75.5 0 15.73 8 0 2.9 14.66 71.91
Sample 3 25.5 75.5 0 0 0 0 0 15.93 81.08
Sample 4 10.5 75.5 0 0 0 15.33 0 16.39 66.71
Table 3. Samples with the same gold concentration but different secondary metals differ in their densities and conductivity levels.
Combining XRF with Density and Conductivity: How Does It Work?
Regardless of your sample type, you begin by testing it with XRF. At this stage, you will be able to detect
low-grade gold, detect the presence of gold plating, and calculate the theoretical density and electrical
conductivity of the sample (Figure 2).
Figure 2. XRF results for a gold alloy sample that include the elemental composition, a plating alert, and the theoretical density and conductivity.
In the next step, we need to measure the actual characteristics of the sample using a density and conductivity
meter. Then we compare them with the readings obtained using XRF. For deviations of less than 10%, we
can confidently conclude that the product is genuine.
6 Ims.EvidentScientific.com
Sample Types and Detection Procedures
Pure Gold Bullions, Bars, and Coins without a Package
Confidence level of verification: high
Left to right: pure gold coins, bars, and bullions.
When testing pure 24-karat gold, we immediately know what specific conductivity and density a given sample
should have. The main types of counterfeits here are galvanic coating of non-gold alloys and false coating
of non-gold alloys. Tungsten is usually an indicator of a counterfeit sample as it has a similar density to pure
gold. Copper-silver alloys may also indicate a counterfeit sample since they have a similar conductivity to
pure gold (see Table 4).
Material Density (g/cm³) Conductivity (% IACS)
24K Gold 1 9.32 73
Tungsten 19.25 31
Silver 10.49 105
Copper 8.96 100
Silver 55% + Copper 45% ~9.83 ~97
Copper 75% + Silver 25% ~9.32 ~73
Table 4. Comparing the density and conductivity of 24K gold to tungsten, silver, copper, and copper-silver alloys. Tungsten has a similar density to
gold, while copper-silver alloys have a similar conductivity to gold.
Testing Procedure
Inspection Method Comments
Step 1 XRF analysis XRF inspection in multiple spots and corners. At this stage, we eliminate all electroplating
and fool’s gold counterfeits.
Step 2 Density measurement A fast and affordable solution. Density should be close to 19.32 g/cm3. At this stage, we
eliminate hollow samples and non-tungsten fakes.
Step 3 Conductivity measurement Tungsten is the only affordable metal that can simulate the density of gold. However, it has
more than 2x lower conductivity. At this stage, we eliminate tungsten impurities.
Step 4 Ultrasonic testing For bars weighing 1 kg (2 lb) or more, we recommend using ultrasonic testing as a final
verification method to confirm that they are homogenous and free of insertions.
Table 5. 4-step testing procedure for pure gold.
7 Ims.EvidentScientific.com
Sample Types and Detection Procedures
Coins and Bullions in Plastic Blisters
Confidence level of verification: moderate
Left to right: Coin and bullion in plastic blisters.
For samples in plastic packaging, we cannot use the density determination method since opening the
package affects the price of the object. Despite this, we can use XRF and electrical conductivity (see Table 6).
As you know from the previous example, some alloys have the same conductivity as gold. For example,
copper-silver alloys in a certain proportion. However, its density will be 2 times less than that of gold.
As a rule, check the exact dimensions of the product on the manufacturer's website, then compare them
with the real sample without even removing it from the package. In addition, weighing helps to identify
hollow samples.
Testing Procedure
Inspection Method Comments
Step 1 XRF analysis XRF inspection using a special method for testing through plastic. At this stage, we eliminate
all electroplating of <20 micron and fool’s gold counterfeits.
Step 2 Conductivity measurement Pure gold conductivity in IACS is 73%. However, in case of plastic blister samples, it is a good
idea to have original samples for comparison. At this stage, we eliminate tungsten, lead, and
other fakes with >20-micron gold coating.
Step 3 Visual geometrical inspection Tungsten is the only affordable metal that can simulate the density of gold. However, it has
and weighing more than 2x lower conductivity. At this stage, we eliminate tungsten impurities.
Table 6. Testing procedure for coins and bullions in plastic blisters.
8 Ims.EvidentScientific.com
Sample Types and Detection Procedures
Monolith Alloy Jewelry without Gemstones
Confidence level of verification: high
Left to right: gold chain necklace and gold chain necklace with a heart pendant.
For this type of jewelry, the most common counterfeit is a galvanic gold coating of <20 microns. This
counterfeit can be easily identified by XRF. However, there are also heavier coatings and alloys of copper,
silver, lead, and even tungsten in counterfeit 24K gold. See Table 7 for the standard testing procedure to
eliminate fake monolith alloy jewelry without gemstones.
Testing Procedure
Inspection Method Comments
Step 1 XRF analysis XRF inspection of all separate parts of the jewelry. In addition to the chemical composition,
we can calculate the specific gravity and conductivity for that particular alloy. Any suspicious
elements that do not fit with Table 1 could be a warning signal. At this stage, we eliminate all
electroplating and fool’s gold counterfeits.
Step 2 Density measurement Compare the density you measured with the XRF analyzer’s theoretical density. Less than
10% difference is okay. At this stage, we eliminate hollow samples and hard-coated samples.
A total of 98% of all fakes will be eliminated.
Step 3 Conductivity measurement Compare the conductivity you measured with the XRF analyzer’s theoretical conductivity. Less
than 10% difference is okay. At this stage, we eliminate tungsten/lead fakes.
Table 7. Testing procedure for monolith alloy jewelry without gemstones.
9 Ims.EvidentScientific.com
Sample Types and Detection Procedures
Gemstone and Bimetal Jewelry
Confidence level of verification: low
Left to right: bimetal ring and gold ring with a diamond.
This type of jewelry is the most difficult to test. It is impossible to accurately measure the density and conductivity
of a single element of jewelry, so we cannot compare these measurements with theoretical XRF data.
Be extra cautious when assessing these items. You can check the authenticity of the gemstone, as it would
be unlikely to find a real diamond in jewelry with fake gold.
Testing Procedure
Inspection Method Comments
Step 1 XRF analysis XRF inspection of all separate parts of the jewelry. In addition to the chemical composition,
we can calculate theoretical conductivity. Any suspicious elements that do not fit with
Table 1 could be a warning sign. At this stage, we eliminate all electroplating and fool’s gold
counterfeits.
Step 2 Conductivity measurement For gold with gems, it is still possible to measure conductivity for comparison. At this stage,
we eliminate tungsten/lead fakes.
Table 8. Testing procedure for gemstone and bimetal jewelry.
General Equipment Tips
In summary, here are some general rules when testing pure gold or gold alloys:
• Use an XRF analyzer with the following capabilities:
- Performs multi-element analysis
- Calculates density and conductivity
- Analyzes samples through plastic packaging using a special testing mode
- Recognizes gold plating
• Use a conductivity meter that does more than claim a sample is good/bad; it must show specific units of change
10 Ims.EvidentScientific.com
Conclusion
This guide covers the fundamentals of gold testing methods and how to combine them to
confidently assess the authenticity of gold valuables. To learn more about XRF, ultrasonic, and
conductivity equipment and how to get the most out of them for gold testing, contact your
local Evident representative or visit us online at Ims.EvidentScientific.com.
Products Related to Gold Testing
Vanta™ GX Precious Metal Analyzer
The Vanta GX precious metal analyzer provides an affordable way to know the
purity and composition of gold, jewelry, coins, and other valuables. Built for
the showroom, the analyzer delivers accurate precious metal content, karats,
and fineness in seconds without damaging the material tested. Easily identify
authentic valuables from fakes with the alert for gold plating, percentages
of pure gold or silver, and detection of less valuable or hazardous metals.
Vanta Handheld XRF for Precious Metals Analysis
When accuracy and confidence count, Vanta Core handheld XRF analyzers
provide immediate, on-site elemental measurements for analyzing precious
metals, including gold, platinum, silver, and rhodium. Obtain fast, accurate
alloy chemistry and karat classification with the flexibility to perform a
variety of applications, including jewelry testing, gold bar analysis, and car
catalyst recycling.
EPOCH™ 650 Ultrasonic Flaw Detector
The EPOCH 650 conventional ultrasonic flaw detector has excellent inspection
performance and usability for a wide variety of applications, including gold
bullion testing. This intuitive instrument is a continuation of the popular
EPOCH 600 flaw detector with additional capabilities.
Ims.EvidentScientific.com Vanta and EPOCH are trademarks of Evident Corporation or its subsidiaries.
Evident Industrial, Inc.
48 Woerd Ave
Waltham MA
02453 USA
Gold_Testing_Guide_eBook_2025_07
