How do I no that I have silver?

Discussion in 'Questions & Comments' started by Miss Silver, Jun 21, 2011.

  1. Miss Silver

    Miss Silver New Member

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    Is there away to test silver?
    Ok I have what we believe to be silver nuggets but can't seem to get 100% proof.
    I have had it check by three people and two have told me that it is silver but I still would like to test it.
    We have crushed one sample and added sulfuric acid and it ate less than 5% and left nothing but silver particles.
    The Perth mint can help I have been told but is there any other ways to help with testing?

    Thanks
     
    Miss Silver, Jun 21, 2011
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  2. Old Codger

    Old Codger Active Member Silver Stacker

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    Not at all sure about nuggets or even bars, but if my 'Eagle' weighs 31 grams, is 2.98mm thick and 40mm in diameter, then I accept.

    Same standards for 'Maples'. With the 10oz Perth Mint bars I accept the 'Mintmark'.

    OC
     
    Old Codger, Jun 21, 2011
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  3. Willow

    Willow New Member

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    I think peter davis, site sponsor from w.Davis & Son mentioned in an old post that they can test silver on site in melbourne if you take it in to them.
    you may want to PM him and ask if you are in melbourne.
    http://www.wdavis.com.au/live-price-list.html
     
    Willow, Jun 21, 2011
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  4. goldpelican

    goldpelican Administrator Staff Member

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    You could determine the specific gravity - you just need a cup of water, some string and accurate digital scales. There's a thread somewhere on here that shows you how to do this - basically you're weighing how much water is displaced by suspending the nugget in the water (don't let it rest on the bottom) and I think you divide the increase in weight into the measured weight of the dry nugget. The resulting figure should be the specific gravity of the object being tested - then compare that to silver's known SG.

    Need to try it myself one day!
     
    goldpelican, Jun 21, 2011
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  5. spannermonkey

    spannermonkey Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    Yep I use him for that
    If your in another state get to know your bigger dealers/buyers
    They should have a XRF machine
     
    spannermonkey, Jun 22, 2011
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  6. Miss Silver

    Miss Silver New Member

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    Is there anyone in WA?
     
    Miss Silver, Jun 22, 2011
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  7. Butch

    Butch Active Member Silver Stacker

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    No you'll know if your in Melbourne. Its a huge place you can't miss it!
     
    Butch, Jun 22, 2011
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  8. projack

    projack Well-Known Member Silver Stacker

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    projack, Jun 22, 2011
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  9. fishball

    fishball New Member Silver Stacker

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    Get a magnet, if your thingy is magnetic then it contains something that isn't silver.
     
    fishball, Jun 22, 2011
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  10. adrenalin

    adrenalin New Member

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    Would lead be magnetic?

    Lead soldier can look like silver.
     
    adrenalin, Jun 22, 2011
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