How to check Gold Purity at Home?

By Team Gullak

Apr 4, 2025

4 min read

Gold has been a symbol of wealth and security for centuries. However, with counterfeit gold and impure alloys becoming more common, many people wonder how to check gold purity at home. Gold purity is an important indicator to determine the true value of your gold.

In this article, we will cover simple DIY methods that will help you verify the purity of your gold at home. If you've ever questioned how to check gold purity at home without visiting a professional, these techniques are a great place to start.

How to Check Gold Purity at Home – DIY Methods

Easy DIY Tests

Below are some easy tests to verify the purity of your gold at home:

1. Visual Hallmark Inspection: A hallmark is a stamp that is applied by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) on physical gold. A hallmark stamp indicates that your gold is pure and authentic. A hallmark logo has the following components—look for these on your gold ornament: a BIS logo, the purity of the gold (like 22K or 24K), the hallmark number, the year of hallmarking, and a 6-digit unique HUID number. Examine hidden areas like the inside of a ring band, the clasp of a chain, or the back of a pendant for these marks.

Precaution: Hallmarks can be forged or may wear off on older pieces. Use the HUID number to verify through the BIS Care app. This is one of the simplest ways to begin your process if you’re learning how to check gold purity at home.

2. Magnet Test: Gold is not magnetic, so a magnet test can quickly flag a fake gold item. Take a strong magnet and bring it close to your gold piece. If the gold is attracted to the magnet (sticks), the item is likely not real gold—it could be gold-plated or another metal. Real gold will not stick to a magnet. This test is a quick and non-destructive answer to the question of how to check gold purity at home using everyday items.

Water Float Test: This test uses gold’s high density. Real gold is very heavy and will sink immediately in water.

Here’s how to check gold purity at home with a simple water test:

3. Vinegar Test: Submerge the gold item in a bowl of white vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse the item with water—if it darkens or reacts, it is not real gold. If it remains shiny and unaffected, it's likely authentic. This is another simple method for people searching for how to check gold purity at home without any special tools.

Advanced DIY Methods

These methods are slightly more technical but offer better accuracy if you're serious about learning how to check gold purity at home with greater confidence.

1. Ceramic Scratch Test: This test can help identify real gold by the colour of the streak it leaves. Use an unglazed ceramic surface (like the back of a tile or the unglazed bottom of a mug) and gently scratch the gold item on it. Real gold will leave a yellow-gold streak, whereas fake or plated items will leave a black or gray streak.

Precaution: This test can leave a scratch on your jewellery, so use it with care and on a hidden part of the piece.

2. Acid and Touchstone Tests: Scratch a small hidden spot on the gold item (or make a streak on a test stone to avoid putting acid directly on the jewelry) to expose bare metal. Put on protective gloves and eyewear. Apply a drop of the appropriate test acid (10K, 14K, 18K, etc.) onto the scratch or streak. If the acid fizzes, turns green, or the metal dissolves, the gold’s purity is below that karat—or it might not be gold at all. If there is no reaction, the gold is likely of at least that purity level. These acid kits are available online and can be a useful tool if you're exploring how to check gold purity at home with more precision.

Professional Methods (For Reference)

If DIY methods are inconclusive or if the gold is highly valuable, consider professional testing methods such as:

1. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Test: This method uses X-ray to determine the gold composition of the gold. This test is done by professionals, and is pretty expensive but highly accurate at the same time.

2. Ultrasonic Testing: This method uses sound waves to determine the composition of Gold. This method is difficult to conduct at home. However, if you have a jeweller connection, they can help you out. Jewellers generally use this to check the purity of their gold.

3. Fire Assay Method: This method requires melting the gold to analyse its content. This method is the most effective method to determine the purity of gold.

While these cannot be done at home, understanding them can help you know what to expect if you go for a professional check after trying different ways of how to check gold purity at home.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check gold purity at home can help you avoid scams and give you peace of mind. Simple tricks like hallmark inspection, magnet testing, the water float, and the vinegar test can weed out many fake gold pieces. More advanced methods—like the ceramic streak test or acid kit—provide even greater clarity.

Always remember: while DIY tests give you a good indication, they are not substitutes for lab testing or professional verification. If in doubt, take your gold to a certified jeweller or assayer. By learning how to check gold purity at home, you’re empowering yourself to make smarter financial decisions and protect your investments.