Gold Testing Methods Explained: Acid, Electronic and XRF
Compare acid testing, electronic gold testers and XRF gold analyzers for accuracy, speed and non-destructive purity testing.
7 min read
The three main gold testing methods
- Acid testing — low cost, but destructive and only approximate.
- Electronic gold testers — fast surface readings, good for quick screening.
- XRF gold analyzers — non-destructive, lab-grade purity and full alloy composition.
Which method is right for you?
High-volume buyers and refiners choose XRF analyzers for accuracy and proof of purity. Retail jewelers often combine an electronic tester for screening with periodic XRF verification.