Gold Testing with XRF Analyzers: fast, nondestructive, accurate

Of all the precious metals, the one that is most sought after is gold (Au). As the price of gold continues to climb, more and more organizations are offering "buy-back" programs. Sometimes it is the refiner but very often it is a jeweler or a 'middle man' business - we have probably all seen more and more "we buy gold" signs showing up in recent years.

Originally developed as a measurement device, X-ray Fluorescence was most common in quality control laboratories. However, developments in the technology have lead to new applications including precious metal and gold content analysis. Technological developments also allowed for XRF instruments to be lower in price and no longer requiring liquid nitrogen (LN2) for accurate precious metal identification - factors that created more interest for gold buyers looking for the best accuracy from a nondestructive test.

For the non-refiners that are buying scrap jewelery, gold content is often their only (or primary) concern. As such, they do not need to invest in an XRF analyzer for full precious metal information (like the QSX-295T can offer) - so they can consider a lower cost system that will provide accurate gold content information; the QSX-79T is the solution for this need. While the QSX-79T can provide content information on additional precious metals that are present (silver, platinum, etc) because of the detection system it provides the highest accuracy on gold.

**Comparing Various Gold Assaying Methods**
Method/Technolgy	Capability	Sample Size	Accuracy	Limitations	Approximate Costs
Fire Assay	Only Gold	destructive ~250mg	0.02%	modifications for Ni and Pd	High $50,000
ICP	Complete Analysis	destructive ~20mg	0.1%	time consuming	High $150,00
XRF Gold Tester (QSX-79T)	Primarily Gold Content	NDT nondestructive	0.1 to 0.5%	surface layer, flat samples	Moderate $15,000 +
XRF Full PM Test (QSX-295T)	Complete Analysis	NDT nondestructive	0.1 to 0.5%	surface layer, flat samples	Moderate $25,000 +
Touchstone	Only Gold	Almost NDT	1-2%	unsuitable for high karat and white golds	Low $100
Electronic Pen	Only Gold	NDT	4-8%	not consistent	Low $250
Density	Only Gold	NDT	Poor	only for binary alloys	Low $500

Benefits of XRF compared to lower cost gold testers
Many buy-back organizations invest in x-ray fluorescence systems to show that their process is a legimate approach and that they are operating a serious business. XRF information screens show the person selling an item the numbers that a pay-out will be based on; making the seller more comfortable and providing assurance that they are working with a serious organization. Lower cost test kits do not provide this feeling to the seller and can not meet the accuracy of an XRF system - allowing for you, the buyer of gold, to limit the inaccuracy of payouts and increasing your confidence when reselling to a refiner, etc.

Benefits of XRF compared to higher cost gold testers
Cost is a major factor; as noted below, an accurate XRF gold tester from Quickshot XRF can be available at a third the cost of a higher end system - and it does not require time, accessories or any expertise to operate. X-ray fluorescence also offers a nondestructive method of gold testing that lets you test a sellers sample quickly and show them the results on an easy to read screen before paying out.

Why Choose a Gold Tester from Quickshot XRF?
As noted above, the QSX-79T provides an excellent middle ground for organizations purchasing gold. It provides higher accuracy and more consistent results than various test kits while also providing your buy-back business with a higher degree of legitimacy.

Contact a QSX instrument specialist to discuss the goals of your organizations buy-back program and the x-ray fluorescence analyzer that best meets your needs.

Related Reading
- XRF-Blog Entry: Standing Out From Other Gold Buyers