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Opinions requested from the experts. I want a GOOD gold tester. What do YOU use?

S

Stacey in West Palm Beach

New member
I have an older version Mizar gold tester (don't know the make/model - I haven't used it in years because the chemicals are all old and STAIN any gold that I test, so I don't like it). I think I need a new gold tester. Some people use chemicals (acid droppers) with a stone. Apparently, you scratch the gold you're testing on the stone and put drops of chemicals on the gold skid mark on the stone to determine what carat the gold is. That's a reasonabley-priced method. Then there are gold testers like mine, which are more expensive, but in my case the chemicals are spent and STAIN the gold. NOT good! Then, according to my search on eBay, there is a gold testing pen available for just under $300. OUCH!

With all the successful gold hunters on this forum, I KNOW you'll all have your opinions about the best way to test your finds. Please share with me your preferred method of testing, pros and cons, price ranges, and recommended brand names.

It would be great if this gold tester could differentiate between gold, silver and platinum... is that too much to ask?

Thanks! I know we'll all learn from your responses!

HH!
Stacey
 
Stacy , the problem with the acids is they are acid, need to be careful. They get old quick and if you don't seal them tight they won't last long at all. I have a kit that you can test for gold , silver , Platinum. Cost around 30.00 on line, mine are a year old and still working. Have read up on some of the new ones but you still need chemicals. Maybe when these quit working I'll try something new. HH
 
I am with you PaPa, I acid test. The assay tells all at Midwest anyway. I just want to be reasonably close, so I don't get caught with my wetsuit down, savvy?
 
Not really, I simply went to a jeweler and asked them to order me a gold acid test kit. There is a stone and touch stones, 10K, 14K and 18K test acid included. I also asked them to order me a bottle of silver test acid too. The one on line that PaPa mentioned will probably be fine, but you will get handled on hazardous materials charges. Better to buy something local, from a reputable jeweler. Let us know what you decide Stacey.
 
I ordered one each of the acids and the cheap stone and it all has worked fine for a year now. You can call and talk to someone and they will send you instructions on how to use it. It is very simple to use. The site is( National Jewelry supplies). Here are the Acids at around 2.50 each. They have all kinds of Gold testing supplies check them all out. Good luck.
http://www.nationaljewelerssupplies.com/page/NJS/PROD/ETTES110
 
Someone on another "site" sent this link - and there is a sale going on. Also looks easier to order from....

http://scales-n-tools.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=10

Thank you!

HH!
Stacey
 
I use the Mizar gold tester M24 and the Mizar Diamond tester as far as Platinum goes the test is if it tests out at 22K and you think white gold must be Platinum as there is no 22K white gold. I 'm happy with these units but they are on the pricey side but will test 9 - 24 K Dan
 
that it is worth all the extra money (it costs $189, per one website) versus the chemical and stone route, which is on sale for only $15? :shrug:

I don't want to throw away money unnecessarily.... :stretcher: :goodnight:

Your opinion is appreciated.

Thanks,
Stacey
 
Hey Stacey,

Kellyco has a tester I'm not sure how good it it or how inflated the price is But have a look.

http://www.kellycodetectors.com/accessories/Scales%2BGold-tester.htm

you may want to talk with people at the Pawn Shops.. I'm sure they go through tons of the gold juice..
 
It does use chemical solution that once opened is good for 6 months after that you would buy a small bottle to replace it. What I do is wait till I have enough stuff to test before opening the bottle that way one bottle of solution is good for a season. The fact that its a high quality unit easy to use and offers a lot of information is good and I usually check with other hunters to see if they need stuff checked so I don't waste the solution seems to work out. Dan
 
Stacey, I had an acid test kit years ago but only because somebody gave it to me and I did use it a very few times but only for testing silver. I have found in all my years of hunting, about 30 years, that all of the gold that I have found has been marked. I guess the possibility exists that I will find a custom made piece someday with no markings but I haven't yet. I also have heard once or twice of a find with a marking that wasn't accurate but I think that would probably be rare. I, personally, just don't feel the need for anything to test gold. Now gemstones is another story. Anyway, that's my two cents and best of luck with whatever you decide. HH!!
Jerry
 
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