XRF Spectrometers Guide: Everything You Need to Know

While a magnet can sometimes help spot fake items that contain magnetic metals, it cannot reliably prove that gold is genuine. Counterfeiters often use non-magnetic metals like copper or aluminum to mimic gold, which would pass the magnet test. For anyone who needs accurate results—whether in jewelry stores, pawnshops, or recycling businesses—a more advanced testing method is essential. Why the Magnet Test Isn’t Enough The magnet method is popular because it is fast and free. However, gold buyers and professionals know that it has serious limitations: Gold is non-magnetic: Pure gold will not be drawn to a magnet. But many fake gold pieces are also made from non-magnetic materials, making the test inconclusive. Alloys complicate results: Most jewelry is made from gold alloys. Depending on the mixture of metals, the item may show weak magnetic reactions, confusing the outcome. Plating and fakes: Gold-plated items often use a non-magnetic base metal, which means they can pass the magnet test even though they contain very little gold. In short, the magnet test can only eliminate certain fakes but cannot confirm authenticity. For reliable results, more advanced tools are required. Common Alternatives People Use at Home Aside from magnets, some people try other household tests. Each has drawbacks that make them unsuitable for professional use: Vinegar or acid testing: This can damage the surface of the gold and is not always accurate. Float test in water: Real gold is dense and sinks, but other dense metals will also sink, giving false results. Scratch test on ceramic: Scratching risks damaging jewelry and may not reveal gold plating. These methods might seem appealing, but they lack precision and can reduce the value of the item being tested. Why Professional Gold Testing Is Necessary When real value is at stake—such as trading jewelry, evaluating recycled materials, or ensuring quality in manufacturing—guesswork is too risky. A professional gold testing solution gives accurate, non-destructive results. With the right tools, businesses can: Determine exact purity of gold and other precious metals. Verify authenticity without damaging the sample. Detect even thin plating or mixed alloys. Build trust with customers by showing transparent results. This is where specialized testing instruments like those developed by VRAY Instruments make a crucial difference. VRAY Instruments: Reliable Gold Testing Solutions VRAY Instruments specializes in advanced testing technology that eliminates uncertainty. With years of research and innovation, VRAY provides solutions for jewelry stores, pawnshops, refineries, recyclers, and quality control labs. Some of the most popular options include: VR-X3 XRF Analyzer A reliable desktop analyzer equipped with a gas proportional counter detector. It is ideal for jewelry shops and refineries that require quick, accurate analysis of gold, silver, and platinum. Built-in protection systems ensure stability and safety. VR-X5 XRF Gold Analyzer Designed for professionals who need both accuracy and convenience. Featuring a custom silicon-PIN detector, it measures over 20 elements with high sensitivity, making it suitable for alloy analysis as well as purity testing. VR-M5 Portable Analyzer Compact and lightweight, this handheld model is perfect for mobile

The good news is that modern X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers are specifically designed with rigorous safety measures, making them safe to use in jewelry stores, refineries, pawnshops, laboratories, and even in mobile environments. XRF instruments do use X-rays to determine the purity and composition of metals, but the radiation levels are extremely low and the equipment is carefully shielded to protect both users and samples. As long as the device is operated according to manufacturer guidelines, testing precious metals with XRF poses no health risks. Why XRF Is Considered Safe Unlike medical X-rays, which require higher radiation doses to penetrate human tissue, XRF analyzers use very low-energy X-rays designed to interact only with the surface layers of a metal sample. This allows the instrument to read the elemental composition without affecting the object itself or exposing the operator to harmful levels of radiation. Several built-in safety mechanisms further ensure user protection: Radiation Shielding: The analysis chamber or handheld casing blocks scattered radiation. Automatic Shutoff Systems: If the device detects incorrect operation or accidental exposure, it immediately shuts off the X-ray source. Low Power Output: The energy level is just enough to stimulate the sample, not enough to cause health hazards. International Safety Standards: Reputable XRF analyzers are designed in compliance with global radiation safety regulations. This combination of low power and intelligent safeguards makes XRF testing safe for everyday professional use. Benefits of Using XRF for Precious Metals Safety is only part of the equation. For businesses dealing with gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, XRF offers multiple practical advantages: Non-Destructive – Testing does not damage or alter jewelry, coins, or raw materials. Fast and Reliable – Results are delivered in seconds without requiring chemical treatment. Cost-Efficient – Eliminates the need for consumables like acids used in traditional touchstone testing. Versatile – Capable of testing not only gold but also silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, and alloys. Traceable – Results can be stored, compared, and printed as part of a company’s quality control records. For jewelers, pawnshops, recycling businesses, and refineries, this means increased confidence and higher customer trust. Practical Scenarios Where Safety Matters Jewelry Stores: Customers often want assurance that their jewelry won’t be damaged during testing. XRF delivers accurate results without scratching or staining the item. Pawnshops and Recycling Centers: Staff may need to test dozens of items daily. The built-in protections of XRF devices ensure operators are not exposed to risks despite frequent use. Manufacturing Plants: When testing raw materials or finished products in bulk, long working hours make safety even more critical. Modern analyzers keep exposure minimal and operations smooth. Mobile Gold Buying: Handheld analyzers are carried into homes or field locations. Lightweight shielding and automatic shutoff make them safe to transport and use on the go. VRAY Instruments: Safe, Reliable, and Professional VRAY Instruments has developed a full range of XRF analyzers, each designed with operator safety as a top priority. From portable devices to laboratory-grade spectrometers, every model integrates safety features and user-friendly designs that align

When you read an XRF analyzer’s results, the key is to look at the element symbols and the percentages shown on the screen. Each element detected in the sample is listed by its chemical symbol—such as Au for gold or Ag for silver—along with the proportion of that element in the material. For example, a result of “Au 91.7%” means the item is 22K gold, while “Ag 92.5%” indicates sterling silver. These values tell you exactly what metals are present and in what amounts, making it possible to confirm purity, spot fakes, or verify alloy compositions. In the following sections we’ll explain how to make sense of XRF readings, avoid common mistakes, and choose the right analyzer for your needs. Breaking Down the Displayed Results Most XRF analyzers present data in a table format. Here’s what you typically see: Element Symbols – A list of elements detected in the sample, such as Au, Ag, Cu, Pd, Pt, or Rh. Percentage Composition – The relative proportion of each element, often shown in weight percent (wt%). Detection Limits – Some advanced devices will also show whether elements below a certain percentage are detectable. Graphical Spectrum – In many analyzers, a spectrum shows peaks at different energies corresponding to each element. While professionals may use this for deeper analysis, the percentage breakdown is usually enough for everyday applications. For example: A gold bracelet result might read Au 75.0%, Cu 12.5%, Ag 12.5%, meaning it is 18K gold alloyed with copper and silver. A silver pendant could read Ag 92.5%, Cu 7.5%, confirming it is standard sterling silver. The goal is not to memorize the spectrum but to focus on the percentages, since these tell you directly the purity and alloy composition. How to Verify Purity from XRF Readings To interpret results correctly, you should match the displayed percentages with known standards: 24K Gold – 99.9% Au or higher 22K Gold – ~91.7% Au 18K Gold – 75.0% Au 14K Gold – 58.3% Au Sterling Silver – 92.5% Ag Platinum Jewelry Standard – ~95% Pt This reference makes it easy to compare what the machine shows with industry benchmarks. If the analyzer shows a significantly lower percentage than expected, the piece may be fake, plated, or a lower-karat alloy than claimed. Practical Example: Reading Results in Daily Use Jewelry Store Owner: A customer brings in a gold chain marked “18K.” Using an XRF analyzer, the reading shows Au 74.8%, Ag 12.6%, Cu 12.6%. The result confirms the chain is genuine 18K gold. Pawnshop Manager: An item is presented as pure silver. The XRF analyzer shows Ag 60%, Cu 40%. This indicates it is silver-plated rather than solid sterling silver, protecting the business from a costly mistake. Refiner: Scrap materials are tested. Results show multiple precious and base metals. The analyzer helps determine how much recoverable gold or silver is present before processing. By understanding these outputs, users can quickly decide whether to buy, refine, or reject a piece. Why Accuracy and Stability Matter Not

The direct answer is yes—XRF can be used not only to test gold, but also silver and platinum, along with other platinum group metals (PMG) like palladium and rhodium. By using advanced XRF analyzers, professionals can identify the purity and elemental composition of silver or platinum within seconds, without damaging the sample.This capability is particularly valuable in industries where verifying authenticity and quality is critical. Why XRF Works for Silver and Platinum Testing Unlike destructive testing methods that require cutting, filing, or using acids, XRF works by exposing the sample to an X-ray beam. Each element inside the material emits its own unique fluorescent X-ray signature. This allows the analyzer to determine exactly which elements are present, and in what proportion. For silver and platinum, this means: Silver Purity Testing: XRF can quickly distinguish between sterling silver (92.5%), fine silver (99.9%), and silver alloys containing other metals such as copper or nickel. This is essential for both jewelry stores and recycling businesses. Platinum Purity Testing: Platinum is commonly mixed with other PMG metals such as palladium or rhodium. XRF can identify these alloying elements with high precision, ensuring accurate purity verification for both jewelry and industrial platinum products. Because the process is non-destructive, the tested item—whether it’s a platinum ring, silver necklace, or industrial component—remains completely intact after analysis. Real-World Scenarios Where XRF Adds Value 1. Jewelry Shops Customers often want proof that their silver or platinum purchase matches the advertised purity. With an XRF analyzer, jewelers can provide instant, transparent results, building trust and avoiding disputes. 2. Precious Metal Recycling Both silver and platinum are highly recyclable. Scrap dealers and recyclers need a reliable way to quickly determine metal content for pricing and sorting. XRF analyzers allow them to process large volumes efficiently. 3. Quality Inspection Institutions Testing agencies rely on XRF for certification and quality control. For silver, it ensures products meet standard purity requirements. For platinum, it validates materials used in industrial applications such as catalysts or electronics. 4. Pawnshops and Collateral Businesses Pawnshops face risks from counterfeit silver and misrepresented platinum jewelry. A portable or benchtop XRF analyzer provides immediate answers, protecting both the business and the customer. Recommended XRF Solutions for Silver and Platinum Testing VRAY Instruments provides a wide range of XRF analyzers tailored to different business needs. Each model is designed for precision, user-friendliness, and reliability. Below are some of the most suitable models for silver and platinum testing: VR-X3 XRF Analyzer A compact and efficient analyzer equipped with a gas proportional counter detector. Ideal for jewelry shops and small refineries, it delivers fast and stable results for silver purity and platinum alloy testing. VR-X5 XRF Gold Analyzer This model uses a custom silicon PIN detector for higher sensitivity. It is perfect for professionals who need detailed analysis across multiple precious metals, including silver, platinum, and palladium. VR-M5 Portable XRF Analyzer Lightweight and battery-powered, the VR-M5 is designed for mobile testing scenarios. Pawnshops, recyclers, and field inspectors can benefit from its built-in camera,

When it comes to determining the purity of gold and other precious metals, two methods dominate the industry: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and fire assay. Both are trusted by professionals worldwide, but they differ significantly in accuracy, speed, convenience, and practicality. At their foundation, the two methods approach testing in opposite ways: XRF (X-ray fluorescence): A non-destructive technology that uses X-rays to excite atoms in a sample, instantly reading the emitted signals to determine its composition. It gives results within seconds or minutes without damaging the item. Fire assay: A traditional destructive process that melts down the metal at high temperatures, separating the precious metal content from impurities. This method has been used for centuries and is often regarded as the historical “gold standard” for ultimate accuracy. The key distinction: XRF is fast, convenient, and non-destructive, while fire assay is slower, labor-intensive, and permanently alters the sample. Speed and Efficiency For businesses where time equals money, speed is critical. XRF analyzers deliver results in less than a minute, often with just the push of a button. Jewelry stores can confirm purity for a customer in real time, and recycling centers can process dozens of items per hour. Fire assay, by contrast, requires melting, flux preparation, cupellation, and cooling—a process that can take several hours or even an entire day. This makes it impractical for retail environments or businesses that handle large daily volumes. In today’s fast-paced market, most users value the efficiency of XRF for routine testing and customer-facing services. Accuracy and Precision Accuracy often defines trust in precious metal testing. Fire assay is generally acknowledged as the most precise method, with results often accurate to 001% or better. It is ideal for refineries and official institutions that require absolute certainty. XRF, while slightly less precise, still provides extremely reliable results—typically within 1%–0.3% accuracy depending on the analyzer’s detector. For most commercial applications, this level of accuracy is more than sufficient. In practice, many companies use XRF as the first-line test and reserve fire assay for disputes or final verification of very high-purity gold. Cost Considerations Both methods involve different types of investment. XRF analyzers are a one-time equipment investment. While the upfront cost may seem significant, ongoing expenses are minimal. No consumables, melting equipment, or high energy usage is required. Over time, this makes XRF highly cost-effective. Fire assay, on the other hand, involves repeated costs: crucibles, chemicals, furnaces, high energy consumption, and labor. It also requires skilled operators, increasing long-term operational expenses. For jewelry shops, pawn businesses, and recycling facilities, XRF offers the best balance of affordability and return on investment. Practical Usability Different industries have different needs. XRF analyzers are portable, user-friendly, and versatile. Devices like VRAY’s VR-M5 Portable Analyzer or VR-H5 Handheld Analyzer allow staff to test items on the spot—even at trade shows, customer homes, or mobile recycling units. The non-destructive nature ensures customers trust that their jewelry won’t be damaged. Fire assay, however, is impractical outside specialized laboratories. The process requires furnaces reaching over

For pawn shops, trust and accuracy are the foundation of every transaction. Customers bring in gold, silver, or other precious metal items hoping to exchange them for fair value, while the pawn shop owner must ensure the material is genuine, accurately valued, and safe to resell. Mistakes in testing can lead to financial losses or damaged customer trust. This is where X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology has become an increasingly attractive solution. Compared with traditional testing methods, XRF offers speed, accuracy, and reliability that directly match the everyday needs of pawn shops. Why Pawn Shops Need Reliable Metal Testing Pawn shops face unique challenges when it comes to evaluating precious metals: Diverse items: Jewelry, coins, watches, gold bars, and even scrap metal can enter the shop in a single day. Customer trust: Customers expect quick results and fair assessments—delays or inaccuracies can damage reputation. Financial risk: Buying fake or plated items at full value can result in significant losses. Efficiency: In busy pawn shops, staff must test multiple items quickly without damaging them. Traditional testing methods like acid tests or fire assays are often too destructive, time-consuming, or inaccurate for the fast-paced environment of pawn shops. This is why more and more businesses in this sector are turning to XRF analyzers. How XRF Meets Pawn Shop Needs XRF technology allows pawn shops to analyze the purity and composition of precious metals within seconds. By directing a beam of energy onto the surface of the item, the analyzer can determine the elemental composition without causing damage. For pawn shops, this offers several benefits: Non-destructive testing – Items remain in perfect condition, a must for customer-owned jewelry or collectibles. Instant results – Precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium can be identified in seconds. Accuracy – Modern XRF analyzers deliver results precise enough for pricing decisions, reducing the risk of overpaying for counterfeit or low-purity items. Ease of use – Today’s devices are designed for straightforward operation, so even non-specialist staff can conduct reliable tests. Customer confidence – Being able to show customers a live test result builds trust and credibility, helping pawn shops stand out. VRAY Instruments: Tailored XRF Solutions for Pawn Shops VRAY Instruments has developed a range of XRF analyzers designed to meet the practical needs of industries where speed and precision matter most. For pawn shops, three models are especially well-suited: VR-M5 Portable XRF Gold Analyzer For pawn shops that require mobility and convenience, the VR-M5 is an excellent choice. Compact and lightweight, it allows staff to test items directly at the counter. The built-in retractable touchscreen, radiation protection, and HD camera make it simple to operate. With an eight-hour battery life, the device can be used throughout the day without interruption. Pawn shops benefit from: Quick gold, silver, and platinum purity analysis Non-destructive evaluation of jewelry and watches Reliable results for buy-back and resale decisions VR-H5 Handheld Gold Analyzer The VR-H5 is designed for shops that want ultimate flexibility. This handheld model delivers instant, on-the-spot analysis and