Using A Lighter To Check if Gold Is Real
For centuries now, gold is still the most stable and valuable asset you can think of in terms of precious metals. Even today, it is still a safe haven that investors pile into during rough times. That metal in your possession could become a financial lifeline but are you sure that it is real? Many people keep these metals only to be surprised when they decide to sell them. It is important to note that there is a significant increase in the number of gold dealers, both buyers and sellers. It goes without mentioning that scammers have also found loopholes in the industry and are ready to pound on unsuspecting individuals. It means that you must tread carefully to avoid losing your precious metal which can be exchanged in a twinkle of an eye. The good news is that you can avoid getting ripped off by using a household item – lighter. Here are the ways through which you can check if the gold you have is real using a lighter.
To begin with, you new to know the basics of gold and what a real one one is. If you are not familiar with these aspects, you can easily get confused. Everywhere around the globe, fake gold is defined as any item with less that 10 karats (41.7% gold content). You can read more here for a breakdown of how it translates to value. Using a gold price per gram calculator, you will know how much you will get from your precious metal. The moment its content gets below 10 karats, it begins to depreciate. Note that there are common fake gold tricks that sellers will use to lie to you that this product is worth more that it is. They can use gold washing and claim that washed pieces are real gold.
Furthermore, be careful about gold plating which is another common trick dealers use. It is surprising that people still believe that gold plating can this technique counts as authentic gold. It is also worth noting that some dealers use the trick of pyrite application. Pyrite is commonly referred to as “fool’s gold” around the world. It is easier to know fake gold because pyrite leaves discoloration when exposed to the atmosphere.
Since it is crucial to know whether what you have is real gold, there is a lot of money in gold testing industry. In fact, you don’t need sophisticated machines or chemistry labs because you can use what is easily accessible. Don’t be surprised to discover that a simple household item like a lighter is enough to test gold. Be careful because you can’t use any other old lighter and expect it to work magic. A butane lighter with actual lighter fluid is ideal and it should produce tall flame.
You will need a nail to hang the gold on the wall. You can make a conclusion based on the color changes on the gold. It should heat the gold for at least 60 seconds. For more information and insights into gold and silver industry, read more here.