Instruments designed for precious metal analysis come in various forms, from handheld devices utilizing X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for quick assessments to sophisticated laboratory equipment employing fire assay or other destructive methods for precise composition determination. These instruments accurately measure the purity and fineness of gold and silver items, identifying other constituent elements present. For instance, a device might distinguish between 10-karat and 18-karat gold or identify the presence of platinum in a silver alloy.
Accurate composition analysis is crucial in numerous industries. It safeguards consumers by ensuring accurate valuation of jewelry and other precious metal objects. It underpins efficient refining processes by providing precise elemental breakdowns, enabling optimized recovery and separation. Historically, touchstones and acid tests provided a rough estimate of metal purity. Modern analytical tools offer significantly improved accuracy and detailed compositional information, enabling higher levels of quality control and enabling consistent standards in bullion and numismatics.
