Quote:
A density measurement would also differentiate.
I agree, I would test it to see if it might be gold! You never know, worth a shot. The density measurement poster above me mentioned, here's how to do it:
Measure the mass of the gold object on the scale. Record the mass in grams (g).
Pour water into a graduated cylinder until the cylinder is approximately half full. Record the water level in cubic centimeters (cc), being careful to read the bottom of the meniscus (the curved shape of the surface of the water). Let this water level measurement be referred to as the initial volume, or "Vi." Note that 1 milliliter (ml), which is a common volume unit used on the graduated cylinder, is equivalent to 1 cc.
Record the water level in the cylinder with the gold object submerged. Let this volume reading (measured in cc) be referred to as the final volume, or "Vf."
Calculate the difference in water levels before and after submerging the object. For example, the difference = Vf - Vi.
Divide the mass of the object by its volume to yield the density of the object. For example, the object density = mass / (Vf - Vi). Compare the measured density to that of pure gold (19.3 g/cc) to determine whether the object is made of pure gold.
WARNING: different purities of gold have different densities. Pure gold is 19.3 g/ml while 14k is approximately 13 g/ml.
***Or you can get a nitric acid test, aka a 'gold test kit'
