Fake Vs. Real Platinum- How to Spot the Difference?
Fake Vs. Real Platinum- How to Spot the Difference?
Usually, gold and silver get a lot of investor attention as they are popular precious metals. But now, platinum is also considered an appealing option. Investors know its value is higher than gold in most cases and can be a worthy investment.
However, sometimes people confuse platinum with silver or white gold. Sometimes, people don’t realize that someone is selling them fake platinum. To avoid all that confusion, here you can read about fake vs. real platinum and how to spot the difference.
- Start with a Visual Inspection
To recognize fake platinum, you can start with a visual inspection. It would help if you determined whether a solid form of metal is platinum or not. It would help if you looked for any markings or stamps. Usually, real platinum will have platinum engraved on it. It means the product is at least 95% pure platinum. You might also come across a figure followed by “PT” or “PLAT.” It usually indicates the exact percentage of platinum.
Some other critical signs of real platinum are:
A color brighter and whiter than silver or white gold
No tarnishing as real platinum doesn’t tarnish or rust or corrode
No discoloration s real platinum won’t usually lose its color
- Try the Magnet Method
As a potential buyer, you must know that platinum isn’t magnetic. So, when you bring the magnet closer to a solid piece of platinum, there will be no magnetic pull. If there is some magnetic pull, the metal is likely white gold mixed with some nickel and not real platinum.
- Go for the Acid Scratch Test Kit
If the metal you need to test has no clear markings, buy an acid scratch test kit available online. They have scratch stones and different types of acids. You can complete this test by scratching the metal in question in a place where it won’t be noticeable, wearing gloves, and using the dropper to put some acid on the scratch. Then, it would help if you waited for a reaction or a lack of one. Remember, real platinum won’t dissolve immediately.
Even when you know the metal isn’t real platinum, please continue with the acid test to know what it is and increase your awareness.
- Have a Precious Metals Dealer Check It Out
All in all, it can be said recognizing fake platinum is smart because there are a lot of fakes out there. If you are also looking for a platinum dealer to help you with the same, trust Rocky Mountain Precious Metals LLC. It is a full-service precious metals firm dedicated to providing our clients with the investment tools, secure depositories, and financing needed to invest in precious metals. We can also test precious metals for you.
We specialize in assisting individuals and institutions in diversifying their portfolios into precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and copper. Our strategic investment options allow you to maximize your investment portfolio’s growth opportunities. Contact us now for a consultation or click here.
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