Steven Crim said:
I found some gold looking metal in the electronic portion of a number of remote control cars and boats. I would like to determine if it's gold or not. Would a drop of stannous chloride onto the tiny metal strips be the way to make a positive ID or what would be the best method?
Thanks in advance! Steve
For starters, get a copy of Hoke's book so you'll learn how to test metals. For some reason, newbies seem to think that all this information is going to fall on them with no effort. Tain't true folks-----there's one hell of a lot to learn and know if you intend to successfully play with precious metals. Education doesn't come free----so start investing in yours today.
A drop of nitric acid, applied by a dauber, will tell you instantly if it's gold, or not. It it's gold, the acid will have almost no effect on it---although it won't take very long for it to react to some degree because the gold is quite thin and allows miniscule amounts of acid to penetrate the pores. This applies to plated objects, not karat or pure gold items, but I can't imagine you'd find anything remotely like that in toys.
If it's brass, you'll see an instant reaction, often with brown fumes and fizzing. The solution will turn instantly green/blue----a sure sign of a copper alloy.
It stands to reason that you'll want to wear gloves and eye protection when you're handling the acid. I've had a drop of nitric in my eye----you can trust me---you don't want that experience if you can avoid it. Nitric turns your skin instantly lemon yellow, and does damage. The discolored skin often peels, having been sufficiently damaged by contact with the acid. Prolonged exposure is very damaging.
The only other things that look anything like gold would be yellow copper alloys, and they aren't very close in appearance. Gold plated objects tend to have a rich yellow color, rarely discolored or oxidized. Much of it is pure gold, which accounts for the rich color, bit our good contributor, GSP, claims that a lot of the plating you see is alloyed for wear resistance, although still very high in gold content. He has a plating and refining background and appears to know his business.
Luck with your tests.
Get a book. Learn to test properly.
Harold
I ordered C M Hoke for $50 + $4 shipping from Amazon after some good comments from the gang and can't wait to get it!
