Gold has been used as a form of currency for centuries and is still considered one of the most stable forms of investment. However, because of its value, it has also become a popular target for counterfeiters. Fake gold, also known as fool’s gold, has become a real problem. Here’s what you need to know to avoid succumbing to trickery.
What Is Fake Gold Called?
If you’ve always asked yourself what is fake gold called, fake gold is often referred to as fool’s gold because it looks very similar to the real thing but is actually made from a different material. It’s either minerals that closely resemble gold or a trick where a thin layer of real gold is applied to a cheaper metal, which gives it a yellowish color that can be difficult to distinguish from genuine gold.
The most common mineral mistaken for fool’s gold is pyrite, also known as iron pyrite. It has a brassy color and can be found in many different shapes, including cubes, octahedra and pyritohedra.
In fact, the origin of the term fool’s gold goes back to the 18th century. During the gold rush era in the U.S when many people were still new to the concept of gold, a large chunk of Fool’s Gold was found. The shiny metal caught the attention of many prospectors and miners, but they quickly realized that it wasn’t actually gold.
What Is Fake Gold Made of?
Fake gold is made of various materials, depending on the intended use. Some fake gold is made of alloys of brass and copper, while other types may include zinc, aluminium, or lead.
- Brass — First is brass, which is an alloy of copper and zinc. It has a yellow appearance that is often mistaken for gold. Brass is a relatively soft metal, so it’s not ideal for jewelry or other items that are going to be handled frequently.
- Copper — Copper is another common component of fake gold. It has a reddish hue and is also softer than gold. This makes it a popular choice for counterfeit bullion, coins, and jewelry.
- Zinc — Zinc is another metallic element that is sometimes used in fake gold. It has a silver color and is much harder than brass or copper. For this reason, it’s sometimes used to create coins, ornaments and other decorative items.
- Aluminium — Aluminium is a silver-coloured metal that is sometimes used in fake gold. It is very lightweight and has a low melting point, making it easy to work with.
- Lead — Lead is a heavy, dull-grey metal that is sometimes used in fake gold. It is not as common as some of the other materials on this list, but it can be found in some counterfeit coins and jewelry.
- Bronze — Bronze is an alloy that is made of copper and tin. It has a gold hue, but it is not as durable as brass or copper. This metal is often used in fake jewelry and other decorative items.
Types of Fake Gold
There are several different types of fake gold on the market. One common type is gold plated tungsten, which is made by coating tungsten with a thin layer of gold.
Another common type of fake gold is gold-filled, which is made by bonding a layer of real gold to a base metal like brass or copper. Gold-filled jewelry is often marked with a stamp that indicates the percentage of gold in the alloy.
For example, “14k” means that the jewelry contains 14 parts per thousand of gold. Gold-filled jewelry is generally less expensive than solid gold jewelry, but it is not as durable and it can wear away over time.
Another type of fake gold is gold plated sterling silver, which is made by coating sterling silver with a thin layer of gold. Gold plated sterling silver is often harder to spot than gold plated tungsten because it has a similar weight to real gold. However, it is also usually less expensive than solid gold jewelry and it does not last as long.
Finally, there is also counterfeit gold, which is actively masqueraded as real gold. Counterfeit gold is the most dangerous type of fake gold because it can be difficult to distinguish from the real thing.
How Can You Tell If Gold Is Fake?
If you’re ever unsure about the authenticity of gold, it’s always best to consult with an expert. Experienced jewelers and precious
If you are unsure whether a piece of jewelry is real gold, there are several ways to check. Here’s how:
Visual Signs of Fake Gold
Fake gold is often a different color than real gold. For example, it may be more of a brownish color or have a greenish tinge.
Also, if the piece of jewelry has a coating that can be scratched off, it is likely not made from solid gold. Gold plating can wear away over time, so if the coating is significantly thinner on some parts of the jewelry than others, it is likely a fake.
Weight and Density
Gold has a high density compared to other metals, so a fake gold piece will likely weigh less than a genuine gold piece of the same size. You can use a scale to test the weight of the jewelry to see if it matches up with what you would expect for gold.
The density of gold depends on the purity. Here’s a helpful table:
| Karat | Density |
|---|---|
| 10K | 11.6 |
| 14K | 13.2 |
| 18K | 15.2 |
| 24K | 19.3 |
Magnetic Test
Gold is not magnetic, so a magnet will not be attracted to it. If a magnet is attracted to your piece of jewelry, it is likely made from another metal, such as brass or copper.
However, some fake gold pieces are made with other metals that are also not magnetic, so this test may not be 100% reliable.
Acid Test
This method can be destructive. To perform an acid test, you will need a vial of nitric acid and some gold coins or jewelry.
First, soak the jewelry or coins in the nitric acid. If they are made from real gold, they will dissolve and leave a black residue behind. If they are made from another metal, they will not dissolve and will instead turn a different color.
Be very careful when performing this test, as nitric acid can be dangerous if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes.
Final words
Fake gold is called a variety of names depending on the type of metal it is made from. There are a few ways to test to see if your gold is fake, but none of them is 100% reliable. The most accurate way to determine whether or not your gold is real is to take it to a jeweler.
