How to Check Gold Purity When Buying: 7 Effective Methods

Why Is It Important to Check Gold Purity?

When buying gold in Egypt, verifying purity and karat is essential to avoid fraud and financial loss. The Egyptian Assay Office (مصلحة الدمغة والموازين) requires all gold pieces sold in Egypt to bear an official hallmark stamp, but counterfeit pieces still appear in unregulated markets.

What Are 7 Effective Ways to Check Gold Purity?

1. How Do You Check the Hallmark? Look for the official Egyptian Assay Office hallmark stamped on the piece. Every gold item legally sold in Egypt must bear this stamp, which indicates the karat (e.g., 875 for 21K, 750 for 18K).

2. How Does the Magnet Test Work? Real gold is not attracted to magnets — gold is a diamagnetic metal. If a piece is magnetic, it contains iron or nickel and is not pure gold. Note: this test alone cannot confirm purity, as some non-magnetic metals can also be used in counterfeits.

3. How Does the Density Test Work? Gold is one of the densest metals at 19.3 g/cm³. By measuring the weight and water displacement of a piece, you can calculate its density and compare it to the expected value for the claimed karat.

4. What Is the Acid Test? Performed by a professional jeweler using nitric acid or aqua regia. Different karats react differently to these acids, revealing the true gold content. This is one of the most reliable tests.

5. What Should You Look for in Color and Luster? Real gold has a distinctive warm luster that doesn't tarnish or change color over time. Fake gold often has an unnaturally bright or dull appearance.

6. How Does the Sound Test Work? Real gold produces a distinctive, long, high-pitched ring when tapped against another metal. Base metals produce a shorter, duller sound.

7. Why Is Buying from a Trusted Source the Best Method? Buying from licensed shops with official receipts is the most reliable protection. Licensed dealers are subject to government inspection and face penalties for selling non-compliant gold.

What General Tips Should You Follow When Buying Gold?

• Always request an invoice detailing karat, weight, making fee, and the shop's license number
• Compare prices across several dealers — use the Dahabak app as your reference for current market prices
• Check reference prices before visiting the market to know the fair price range
• Avoid deals that seem too good to be true — significantly below-market prices often indicate fraud or lower-karat gold