Why is it important to test platinum for authenticity?

In some cases, it is important to test platinum for authenticity. Platinum is thirty times rarer than gold, which is why it is frequently counterfeited. This is also because it is a valuable precious metal. Fortunately, you can easily test this metal for authenticity yourself or leave it to a professional.

When buying platinum, choose reputable sellers to protect yourself against fraud, especially when purchasing platinum jewelry, coins, or bars. Authentic platinum has a purity of at least 99.9%, which is important when investing. Platinum is also used in the medical sector, where the use of pure platinum is just as crucial.

Different methods for testing platinum

There are various ways to test the authenticity of platinum. The most commonly used method is the scratch or acid test. This checks the purity of a platinum coin using a special acid solution. You can also carefully make a small scratch in the platinum coin or bar to check if only the top layer is platinum.

Platinum is not magnetic. So, you can very easily check authenticity using a magnet. The density test is another option. Platinum is relatively heavy, so you can verify its weight. If your coin or bar isn’t very heavy, it’s probably not platinum. However, this test isn’t definitive since you often lack comparison material.

The final method is visual inspection. Real platinum should have hallmarks that indicate the metal’s purity. For example, if platinum is 95% pure, it will be marked as ‘Pt950’.

Professional tools for testing platinum

Professionals often use devices such as an X-ray fluorescence machine to test the authenticity of platinum. This device analyzes the composition of platinum. An X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device works by directing an X-ray beam at a platinum bar or coin.

The radiation excites the atoms in the material, causing them to emit fluorescent (secondary) X-rays. The device analyzes these rays and identifies the elements and their percentages in the object.

A similar instrument is a spectrometer. It works by projecting light or electromagnetic radiation onto the platinum and analyzing the reflection. The device measures the wavelengths of emitted light, which helps determine whether the platinum is real or not.

For precious metals like platinum, a spectrometer can detect specific elements and their concentrations, making it an accurate and non-destructive method to determine authenticity and purity.

How to recognize counterfeit platinum jewelry?

A counterfeit piece of platinum is usually easy to recognize with the naked eye. Its color or shine often differs from real platinum. It tends to shine less, and the color is darker and less bright. It is also important to ensure that the platinum has the required hallmarks. Always ask for certificates of authenticity as well.

Tips for buying authentic platinum

When buying platinum, make sure the dealer has a good reputation, such as The Silver Mountain. These are usually reliable. Do you have doubts about the authenticity of your platinum after purchase? Then consider a professional test. Do you need advice, for example because you are unsure about the authenticity of your purchased precious metal? Feel free to contact our experts.

Disclaimer: The Silver Mountain does not provide investment advice and this article should not be considered as such. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.