www.925-1000.com

Can we use the same acid technique for testing gold 18k on silver?

Just wondering.

Dael69

Technique, yes, solution, no. The acid that would test 18kt gold is much stronger than used on silver. Silver is typically tested with a solution that give a colour change to indicate % of silver content.

I don't completely agree with Doggett.
I always use the solution that changes colour and becomes red for testing silver, but I met a talented silversmith that used the liquid for gold 18 k and he was able to recognize the purity by the amount of white (he said "milk") that resulted from the reaction.
He said that if you have enough experience (which I have not) the liquid for gold 18 k works better.
Regards
Amena

Now after several tests I can understand that about the milk. Since I have just 18k gold acid test I made several tests with silver and I noticed that the mark on the stone is always removed but when I test silver it become a white liquid (milk) floating on the acid. Im pretty sure the floating "milk" is pure silver.

Problem with this test is that if you test a silverplated object you also see the milk, so you need some experience to be able to messure the quantity of pure silver that remains from your scratch.

I also use some clorine solution and test with magnets before using the acid.