Using a Silicon Drift Detector (SDD), it is possible to come very close to Fire Assay. Fire assay determines precious metal content by measuring weight loss after removing base metals via cupellation whereas XRF analyzers use x-ray fluorescence to excite the sample and calculate returning characteristic x-rays. A skilled operator of Fire Assay can produce results that are accurate to 0.035%. Of course, this takes time and most certainly, not all operators are created equal. Anyone over the age of 18 can be taught to operate an XRF in less than half an hour. For speedy and accurate evaluation of precious metals, handheld XRF has become the tool of choice. Talk to one of our specialists about handheld XRF for precious metals analysis!
The XRF analyzer can identify karats and percentage of gold and percentage of silver, platinum and other precious metals in less than 3 seconds as well as perform a complete analysis in less than 10 seconds while the seller waits. Since the instrument displays the value to one hundredth of a decimal point, you will not only be able to identify if the gold jewelry you are about to buy is below karat, you will be able to identify by exactly how much as well. Analyze jewelry as is; no preparation of the material is necessary. This non-destructive method can analyze Au, Silver (Ag), Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd), and many more precious and base metal alloys:
- Karat Gold
- Low grade Gold
- Gold Plated
- Silver grades: 90% Ag-coins, 92.5% Ag-sterling, 95% Ag+
- Platinum Alloys: Pt950/Ru (Ruthenium), Pt900/Ir (Iridium), Pt950/Co (Cobalt), Pt950/Ir
Smaller samples can be analyzed in the test stand which turns your handheld XRF into a bench top XRF. Using XRF to analyze precious metals encompasses a multitude of advantages. Avoid being exposed to harsh chemicals, speed up your work process and revel in the fact that XRF analysis provides results close to Fire Assay yet it takes a fraction of the time to achieve results. Contact our expert sales assistants now!