How To Check Gold Bar Purity At Home
Verifying gold bar purity is one of the most important steps when buying or selling. While professional tools offer the most reliable results, there are several ways to test at home before approaching a dealer. This gives peace of mind and helps filter out questionable bars.
Here are methods to check gold purity yourself:
- Magnet test – Gold is non-magnetic, so if your bar sticks to a magnet, it’s likely not pure.
- Weight and dimensions check – Use a scale and caliper to compare measurements against known standards for that type of bar.
- Visual inspection – Look for stamps indicating weight and purity (e.g., “999.9”), and check for irregularities like air bubbles or uneven surfaces.
- Acid test kit – While more invasive, this can help confirm if the bar contains real gold, though it should be done with care and safety gear.
For large or valuable bars, getting a second opinion from a gold bar dealer Lansing buyers recommend is still advised. Testing at home helps you screen the item, but certified testing provides final confirmation before major transactions.