We got lots of emails for a detailed answer about “how to check if gold is real with toothpaste“. Gold is a valuable metal that has been used as a form of currency and an icon of wealth. However, because of counterfeit gold, it is essential to know how to check if gold is real. There are many methods to determine the authenticity of gold. One of them is checking gold with toothpaste.
Toothpaste is available in every home. Checking gold with toothpaste is a straightforward test. However, it’s essential to know if the toothpaste test is safe and reliable. After all, you don’t want your precious gold items to get damaged in any way.
This guide will discuss how to check if gold is real with toothpaste. Also, we will explain why this test works.
Process To Check If Gold Is Real With Toothpaste
Testing gold with the toothpaste is a simple and easy process. You can use the toothpaste to test your gold whether you have gold coins or gold jewelry.
What Do You Need?
- Toothpaste (White)
- The gold in question
- A piece of clean cloth
- Running water
The Toothpaste Test
Procedure
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the gold piece in question.
- Rub the toothpaste gently onto the gold for about 30 seconds.
- Rinse your gold piece under cold running water.
- Lastly, dry the gold piece with a soft and clean cloth.
Observations
While rubbing the toothpaste onto your gold item, you will notice a black streak. The toothpaste becomes slightly discolored. However, when you rinse and clean the gold piece, this black streak will disappear.
Results
- If after cleaning your gold piece, you notice black spots or discoloration, this indicates that your gold piece is not real.
- If after cleaning your gold piece, your gold piece has retained its luster and exquisite yellow color, your piece is real gold.
Note: If your gold turns black, it’s almost certainly fake.
Tips
- Use white toothpaste only. Don’t use kinds of toothpaste with coloration or flavoring. Also, avoid those with colored stripes.
- Don’t rub the toothpaste too hard. It can damage your gold piece. Your item may get scratched.
- Also, don’t use the toothpaste repeatedly.
- Take your time to rinse the gold piece thoroughly. Make sure there’s no toothpaste residue in any crack or corner of the gold piece.
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Why Does This Work?
Toothpaste contains some amount of abrasive particles. These particles do not react with real gold. However, these can remove the thin layer of gold from gold-plated jewelry.
The abrasive particles in toothpaste can react with other metals like copper, brass, and bronze. There will be discoloration after this reaction. You will notice a black streak while rubbing the toothpaste onto the gold in question.
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Limitations
This test has a limitation too. This test is not suitable for gold-plated jewelry. Here’s how:
- Toothpaste can damage the thin layer of gold plating and reveal the metal underneath.
- As toothpaste can strip away the overlay, your gold-plated jewelry will be permanently damaged. It will look dull or discolored.
- Also, some faux gold items will be immune to the toothpaste. This can lead to erroneous results.
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Conclusion
Now that you know how to check if gold is real with toothpaste. You can ensure your gold’s authenticity. The toothpaste test is one of the easiest ways to check the authenticity of gold at home. However, we don’t recommend this test.
Toothpaste contains calcium carbonate and altered silica. These abrasive particles may damage authentic gold too. There are also other ways to test your gold at home. Moreover, you can go to a professional appraiser to determine the authenticity, quality, and purity of your gold.
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Michael C Vang is a passionate blogger. He has been blogging since 2013 on a variety of topics. He is committed to creating informative and engaging content that helps readers learn more about everything.
