How do you identify platinum metal?

Answer. The simplest tests are heating and discoloration. If the item is heated, for example, in a Bunsen flame, platinum will be more difficult or impossible to melt and the platinum will not discolour. The effect of acid is another basic test.

Can platinum be mistaken for silver?

Because platinum is a white metal, it is easy to mistake it for silver or even something as low-end as polished pewter, stainless steel or even aluminum.

How does platinum look like?

Platinum is a metallic white to silver-gray colour. Its streak is a shiny silver-gray. Crystals, if found, tent to be distorted cubes. Platinum has a very high specific gravity.

What do you find platinum in?

Platinum is found in its pure native form or in platiniridium, a natural alloy of platinum and iridium. Platinum is present in thin sulfide layers in certain mafic igneous bodies and is mined in Canada, Russia, South Africa, the USA, Zimbabwe and Australia.

How can you tell platinum from silver?

While at first glance both silver and platinum appear silver in color, the two metals are actually easily discernible to the naked eye. Both have gray undertones, unlike white gold which has a warmer, yellow undertone, but platinum is much brighter and shinier and silver has a duller, gray appearance.

What is platinum silver color?

Platinum Silver is a warm silver with a touch of brown/green/gold in it. How Rare is Platinum Silver Metallic? We judge rarity of Platinum Silver Metallic on a one to five scale, (in the purely subjective opinions of our editors).

How can you tell platinum?

Look for an inscription that says “platinum” on the item. If your piece is marked with the word “platinum,” it is at least 95\% pure. More commonly, you will see a number like 850 or 85 followed by “pt” or “plat.” This indicates that 85/100 parts are platinum, meaning the piece is 85\% pure.

What is the difference between silver and platinum jewelry?

Silver 1 Durability. The difference in durability is really no contest between platinum and silver. Silver is a soft metal that wears down quickly and tarnishes easily. 2 Price. Silver is one of the most affordable jewelry metals. 3 Wear & Care. Platinum is a metal of choice for jewelry wearers with sensitive skin.

Do you recognize platinum when you see it?

Many people who collect precious metals fail to recognize platinum when they see it. They come across an old ring or other white metal item at an estate sale or antique store, assume that it is made of silver, and pass it by.

What are the physical characteristics of platinum?

Most Platinum specimens contain traces of iron, which may cause it to be slightly attracted to magnetic field s. For additional information, see the gemstone section on Platinum. Silver-gray. Streak is shiny. Crystals, which are cubic, often have rounded corners and may be fairly distorted. Crystals may also form penetration twin s.

Is Palladium a good alternative to platinum in jewelry?

Palladium, which occurs naturally in seams alongside platinum, is making a comeback as a jewelry metal after years of disappearing from the scene. Palladium first enjoyed success as a substitute for platinum in jewelry during the World War II era, when platinum was reserved for the war effort.