Option 1
$20
Specific Gravity Testing
Specific gravity (density) can be a good secondary way of supporting the output of the x-ray fluorescence analysis. We can provide specific gravity testing any metal objects and the output will be the average density of the metals used to make the object. Limitations on the test are for objects that are hollow. We provide specific gravity tests only on items that have already been submitted to x-ray fluorescence testing. This test can indicate what a item is not (with a reasonable degree of certainty) but not the contrary.
Applicable once XRF testing has been completed.
Option 2
$20
Ultrasonic Testing
Testing items that have a least two flat, parallel sides can be another way to determine what metal an item may contain. We can offer ultrasonic testing on objects that have already been submitted for x-ray fluorescence testing to determine if the material found during x-ray fluorescence is the same which may be deep inside the item. Typically, this is only helpful in negative identification and when the item is suspected of being pure. This test can indicate what a item is not (with a reasonable degree of certainty) but not the contrary. Applicable once XRF testing has been completed.
Documentation
$60
Written Documentation of Test Results
We can also provide written documentation of the results on all of our testing. This documentation comes written on our letterhead and can, if needed, include a picture of the item tested.
Metal Identification
Base Metals
In mining and economics, base metals refers to industrial non-ferrous metals excluding precious metals. These include copper, lead, nickel and zinc. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is more inclusive in its definition. It includes, in addition to the four above, iron and steel, aluminum, tin, tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, cobalt, bismuth, cadmium, titanium, zirconium, antimony, manganese, beryllium, chromium, germanium, vanadium, gallium, hafnium, indium, niobium, rhenium and thallium.
Precious Metals
A precious metal is a rare, naturally occurring metallic chemical element of high economic value. Chemically, the precious metals are less reactive than most elements. They are usually ductile and have a high luster. Historically, precious metals were important as currency but now are regarded mainly as investment and industrial commodities. The best-known precious metals are the coinage metals, gold and silver. While both have industrial uses, they are better known for their uses in art, jewelry, and coinage. Other precious metals include the platinum group metals: ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum, of which platinum is the most widely traded.
