How to Test Gold at Home with Toothpaste

Gold is a valuable metal that is often used in jewelry, coins, and other decorative items. It is prized for its beauty, durability, and resistance to tarnish. However, not all gold is created equal, and it is important to be able to determine the purity of gold when you are buying or selling it. One way to test the purity of gold is to use toothpaste. While this method is not as accurate as more formal methods such as using a gold testing kit or taking the item to a professional appraiser, it can still give you a good idea of whether or not the gold is real using a common item from home. Here’s how to test gold purity with toothpaste.

1. Gather your materials. You will need a small amount of toothpaste, a soft cloth or cotton swab, and the gold item that you want to test.
2. Clean the gold item. Use the soft cloth or cotton swab to remove any dirt or debris from the gold item. This will help to ensure that the toothpaste can make contact with the gold surface.
3. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the gold item. Rub the toothpaste onto the gold surface in a circular motion, using a small amount of pressure.
4. Rinse the gold item. After a minute or so, rinse the gold item thoroughly under running water to remove the toothpaste.
5. Examine the gold item. If the gold item is pure, the toothpaste should have no effect on it. The gold should remain unchanged and shiny. If the gold item is not pure, the toothpaste may have caused it to change color or become discolored. This is because some toothpaste contains abrasives that can scratch or damage gold that is not pure.

Keep in mind that this method is not foolproof and should not be relied upon as a definitive way to determine gold purity. If you are unsure about the purity of a gold item, it is best to seek the advice of a professional appraiser or to use a more formal method such as a gold testing kit. See our other articles about testing gold here.

The information in this post is for entertainment and educational purposes only. None of the information provided should be considered individual investing, accounting, tax, or legal advice. Please consult an appropriate professional before acting on any particular strategy.