Metal Detecting

this really is a useful way of determining what grade gold ...etc of finds really are .Ive just bought some jewellers scales and I have already tested many of my finds using this method . A very big thankyou for posting this article.

Whats the density of lead?
We have a broken hallmarked ring that is hollow that contains lead ,i presume to bulk up the weight
So i presume the test only works for solid metal ,mind you it would pass the scratch test to as the gold itself is thick

The density of lead is 11.34 grams per centimetre cubed.

I found this a great post, and went and bought myself some scales to check my finds I also found the table of Metal Densities below that may be of some use. I have highlighted some of the more common materials. Remember for an alloy or mix of two metals, the density value will be somewhere between the lowest and highest of the two density values, so for example a Nickel / Silver mix, would be somewhere between 8.9 (pure Nickel) and 10.5 (pure Silver). Don't therefore assume if the density is 9.01 that your material must be copper!
cheers
KPJUK

The boss wrote:Neil and Julie,if I'm wrong but you can tell me lol but I think it started when an old scientist sat in a bath n wondered why the water rises,he then filled a measuring cylinder n added different object to the same amount of water and then come up with a mass equasion which would of evolved into this density equation lol I think that's right any how lol

Absolutly correct. The scientist was Archimedes, who jumped out of his bath shouting eureka, which means, 'I've found it'.

amazing will be using this test. cheers for posting barny

when i get some gold tommorow i will be testing this

That's a really helpful method for the good stuff. Unfortunately we don't always get the goodies so
I have listed a few of the not so good so if your numbers don't match the precious you have an idea what it might be!

Aluminium: 2.70
Zinc : 7.14
Iron: 7.87
Tin: 7.29
Copper: 8.93
Lead: 11.36
Cartridge brass: 8.50
Brass: 8.40
Titanium: 4.51

Some of the numbers vary slightly from site to site but should be pretty accurate.
Happy Hunting!

Hi all....

I'd read this topic some time back when it first got posted,then also flicked through it again a few weeks ago.
I've been beach detecting again a few times,and found some gold,or not gold rings as it may be and decided to order a set of digital scales to give this a try,as I found it a very interesting method.

Three small rings had a density of around 9.0 so I guess a brass/copper make up maybe..either way not gold,but one I found which was the main part of a signet ring weighing in at over 3.5 Grammes,turned out to be 9 carat..
I'd like to say thanks for the very informative post,along with the little snippets added by other users,as this method is accurate and well worth buying a set of digital scales for.
It also gives us detectorists something to do whilst bored ,along with identifying any precious metals found.
So a big thumbs up from me

Yellow

This is a great aid - but still have a question - does anyone have a list of what are averages for various coin groups? I have a little celtic coin that seems really heavy - weighs in at 1.78 grams, and according to this test is 8.9. But thats about the number for copper and this is anything but copper - unless its a silver / copper mix since it still has it's shine. Just curious. but really appreciate this simple process.

Littleboot put me on to this, I'll be getting some scales soon. Thanks for a great and easy to understand post. Well done

Nojo1972 wrote:Littleboot put me on to this, I'll be getting some scales soon. Thanks for a great and easy to understand post. Well done

Hi Nojo.. Scales here - page one 6 post down.. - http://www.metaldetectingforum.co.uk/vi ... lit=scales" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Think he meant weighing scales John

Dave &*(

Dave8472 wrote:Think he meant weighing sales John

Dave &*(

Weighing Sales or Weighing Scales Dave.. Language is a difficult size.. Any way.. Both is handy to have. And for sure He mean eletronical weight. Personally I have the Tomopol S 050.. http://www.kaparts.co.uk/pid/139245" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I didn't help with a typo John, sorry mate meant scales

Dave &*(