How To Test Gold Dust

One of the most valuable metals on Earth, gold was valued even above currency in ancient times. Gold is malleable and ductile with high electrical conductivity and resistance to oxidation. Gold's melting point is also very high, at 1,945 degrees F. Gold can be stretched and hammered into sheets or strings very easily without breaking, and can be 10 times as thin as paper, according to How to Test Gold. Gold is a soft metal, however, and must be mixed with other metals for strength. There are several tests to identify gold dust.

Step 1

Look at the gold in the sunlight and move it around. Gold will shine, but it will not sparkle. If there are sparkles, you have found pyrite or fool's gold.

Step 2

Rub a magnet over the gold dust or gold flakes. Gold is not magnetic, so if it is real and not mixed with other metals, it will not stick to the magnet.

Step 3

Drop the gold flakes into nitric acid. Unlike other metals, gold is not affected by nitric acid. This will be a fairly definitive test. Be sure you are wearing protective gear, as nitric acid is toxic.