Procedure for metallographic identification of inclusions (qualitative)

Procedure for Precious Metal Authentication by Attached Materials (Qualitative)

This document explains the standard procedure for authenticating a precious metal using attached materials. This procedure is intended to be used as a qualitative assessment only, and is not intended to be a replacement for an accurate quantitative analysis.

Step 1: Visual Assessment

The first step in authenticating a precious metal is to perform a visual assessment. This should involve closely examining the metal in question to determine if there are any irregularities or features that may indicate a foreign material or substance is present. This should include any colors that are present, as this could indicate the presence of rust, corrosion, paint, etc.

Step 2: Magnetic Assessment

The second step in authenticating a precious metal is to perform a magnetic assessment. Magnets should be used to detect the presence of ferromagnetic metals, such as steel and iron, which may have become attached to the surface of the precious metal. If a foreign material is present, then it is likely that the magnetic field will be distorted or affected in some way.

Step 3: Chemical Test

The third step in authenticating a precious metal is to perform a chemical test. This should involve using a spectrometer or X-ray powder diffraction to determine the composition of the attached material. If a foreign material is present, then it should be revealed by the results.

Step 4: Differential Thermal Analysis

The fourth step in authenticating a precious metal is to perform a differential thermal analysis (DTA). This should involve using a hot-stage microscopy to examine the thermal properties of the attached material. If a foreign material is present, then it should be revealed by the results.

Step 5: X-ray Fluorescence Analysis

The fifth step in authenticating a precious metal is to perform a X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). This should involve using a portable XRF spectrometer to determine the elemental composition of the attached material. If a foreign material is present, then it should be revealed by the results.

Conclusion

The procedure described above is intended to be used as a qualitative assessment only, and is not intended to be a replacement for an accurate quantitative analysis. However, it should provide a useful starting point for those wishing to evaluate their precious metal to ensure its authenticity and verify any attached materials.

Gold is one of the most valuable and sought-after commodities in the world. As such, it is of great importance to ensure that any gold that is purchased is free of impurities and of high quality. To do this, an assessment of the gold must be done to identify any foreign particles within the gold sample. Here are the steps to perform a qualitative assessment of any possible inclusion in gold:

1. Examine the surface of the gold sample. Using a light microscope, carefully look at the surface of the gold to search for any foreign particles.

2. Take a scraping for testing. Using a microscope, fill a small jar with a sample of the gold and seal it. Then send it to a gold testing laboratory for further testing.

3. Apply refractometry techniques. Use a refractometer to measure the light refraction of the gold sample. This can help identify any foreign particles in the sample.

4. Use x-ray fluorescence. This technique is used to study the inner structure of the gold and identify any impurities.

5. Utilize metallurgical processes. Samples of the gold are heated and analysed to determine the presence of foreign particles.

6. Use a Scanning Electron Microscope. This allows for a detailed analysis of the sample and can help identify any impurities present in the gold.

These are the steps used to perform a qualitative assessment of any possible inclusion in gold. Through the use of these tools, gold buyers and sellers can be sure that the gold they are purchasing is free of impurities and of high quality.