Platinum Testing Acid Solution is a specially formulated chemical solution designed to test for the presence of platinum in metal samples. Each small plastic bottle contains approximately one ounce of platinum testing acid. Testing precious metals with acid is an acquired skill — results are subjective and developed through experience and repetition. Always wear eye protection and rubber gloves when handling testing acids, and keep a cloth on hand for cleanup. The acid can stain skin and cause serious injury; handle with extreme care and keep away from eyes.
Features
- Specially formulated platinum testing acid solution
- Approximately one ounce of solution per plastic bottle
- Platinum samples should remain intact and not dissolve under the platinum acid; note that 800-type platinum may dissolve slightly
- Can also be used for comparison testing of gold and silver when used alongside appropriate karat acids and a test stone
- Compatible testing method: rub metal onto a test stone, apply a small drop of acid, and observe the reaction
- For best results, compare reaction against a known sample using test needles or confirmed karat pieces
Testing Reference Guide
Platinum: Should stay and not dissolve under platinum acid. Some 800-type platinum may dissolve slightly.
Gold (for reference when using karat-specific acids):
- If the acid dissolves the metal completely, the karat is lower than the acid rating — try a lower karat acid
- If the acid dissolves the metal slowly, the karat may be slightly below the acid rating
- If the metal remains unchanged, it is most likely the karat corresponding to the acid used
Silver (for reference when using silver testing acid):
- 0.999 pure silver turns bright red
- 0.925 sterling silver turns dark red
- 0.800 silver turns brown
Specifications
| Solution Type |
Platinum testing acid |
| Volume |
Approximately 1 oz |
| Container |
Small plastic bottle |
| Hazardous Item |
Yes — corrosive acid |
| Shipping Restriction |
FedEx or UPS Ground only — no air service, no international shipping outside the USA |
Notes
-
Ships FedEx or UPS Ground Only. Air shipping services (FedEx Priority or Standard Overnight, FedEx 2nd Day, UPS Next Day, UPS 2nd Day, UPS 3-Day, Priority Mail, Global Express Mail) cannot be used for this item. If an air shipping method is selected at checkout, the order will be rerouted to ground service.
- This item cannot ship via USPS. The US Mail does not accept acids for shipment.
- Cannot ship outside of the USA.
- Always use eye protection and rubber gloves when handling testing acids.
- A test stone is required to perform the scratch test; test needles or known metal samples are recommended for comparison testing.
- Testing results are subjective — accuracy improves with practice and experience.