Published by Johnson Matthey Plc

Go

Search for:

Advanced Search

Home

About

The Editorial BoardEditorial PolicyInformation for LibrariansWho We AreJournal Archive

20112001-20101991-20001981-19901971-19801961-19701957-1960Virtual Issues

Information for Authors

Resources

Ask a QuestionView Questions & AnswersGlossaryEvents CalendarDirectoriesLinksSocial

MediaFurther ReadingHistory of PlatinumGadgetsHelp

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Resources
Ask a Question
Events Calendar Archive
View Questions & Answers
Glossary
Events Calendar
Directories
Links
Social Media
Further Reading
History of Platinum
Gadgets

Subscribe to Email Alerts

Download Latest Issue PDF

Contact

How can I test if a metal is platinum?

Return to the list of questions or ask a question.

Category: Physical Methods
Subject: How can I test if a metal is platinum?

Question
Are there simple tests to identify platinum?

Answer
The simplest tests are heating and discoloration.
If the item is heated, for example, in a Bunsen flame, platinum will be more difficult or impossible to
melt and the platinum will not discolour.
The effect of acid is another basic test. None of the common acids will attack Pt. However, cold aqua
regia (3 part HCl + 1 part H2NO3) will attack Pt, but only very slowly. Aqua regia will attack most
other metals and alloys almost instantaneously. A reputable jeweller should be able to test for
platinum using acid.
If these two tests are not feasible then find the density of the object. This will identify Pt from silvercoloured base metals.
To measure density:
Find the mass of the object (in grams) and find its volume by the volume of water it displaces (in
cubic centimetres). Divide the mass by the volume to obtain the density (grams/cubic centimetre).
This value can then be compared with known densities of the platinum, generally accepted as 21.45
g cm3. Other physical and chemical properties can be found by searching in:
Google or Scirus search engines,
The PGM Database, or

Select a database from Links. Properties: Chemical, Physical - WebElements is the simplest.
Also look on the Platinum Today website.
Lastly, a piece of platinum jewellery will always bear a legal hallmark.
Answer posted November 2004
Submitted by: Ms Susan Ashton
Answered by: Robert McGrath
Affiliation: Johnson Matthey Noble Metals

Home

About

The Editorial Board

Editorial Policy

Information for Librarians

o Who We Are
Journal Archive
o

2011

2001-2010

1991-2000

1981-1990

1971-1980

1961-1970

o 1957-1960
Virtual Issues
Information for Authors
Resources
o

Ask a Question

View Questions & Answers

Glossary

Events Calendar

Directories

Links

Social Media

Further Reading

History of Platinum

Gadgets

Help

Contact

Related sites

o
o
o
o

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy
2012 Copyright Johnson Matthey