How to tell if it is silver

[2muchhomework]

I have been away from detecting for about 4 years and just got back into it. Last night my son and I found a little cup under a rock. I use the Explorer and it sounds the same as a silver quarter and sounds like a sterling silver test ring I have. I was wondering how you test if something is silver or what other metals would give similar sounds. Thanks.

Barb

 

[NealNoIN]

If it's silver it would be quite heavy, probably would have markings on it stating it's silver such as: 925 or "sterling". Get a precious metals test kit if you want to be sure.

 

[NealNoIN]

n/t

 

[dewcon4414]

Anything large like TIN or aluminum and if yoiu have it in Cond its going to sound with a high tone. Take a look at the digital screen whats it reading?

 

[jeffk]

weigh it. then see how much water it displaces. then divide the two and find it's density.

it'll get you close enough to silver, or whatever it may/may not be.

 

[prodrigsr]

I've tried it and it works. Find a piece of aluminum foil and place the item in it. Spit on it enough to get it wet. Roll it up and let it stand for say 10-15 seconds. Open it and if it smells "sulferish" it is silver. Try it.

 

[2muchhomework]

An aluminum pepsi can registers just to the left of the upper right corner and sounds a little lower in tone than this thing. This pegs into the upper right corner with a very high tone just like a silver quarter or a silver ring. That is why I had the question. But it is not very heavy which would make me think aluminum. Unless it is some kind of purer aluminum than a pepsi can.