XRF gold analyzers and precious metal analysis
Choose XRF for jewelry and precious metal alloy checks, or spark OES for trace impurities in high-purity gold.
Gold buying, jewelry production and refining have different analytical requirements. An XRF gold analyzer helps check the composition of the measured area without destroying the item. The result must be assessed against the surface condition, material uniformity and calibration. Testing finished jewelry does not necessarily establish the composition of the entire item.
Instrument selection separates fast product checks from trace-impurity analysis in high-purity gold. This distinction determines the method, sample preparation and configuration.
XRF or spark OES — which analyzer fits the task?
- Jewelry, coins and precious metal alloys: the benchtop SMART 100 PLUS uses XRF and supports spot and multipoint measurements on a 2D stage. The analytical program depends on the metals and item type.
- High-purity gold and impurity control: OES1000 is a spark spectrometer designed for trace elements in a gold matrix. It needs a suitable prepared surface; spark analysis leaves a mark.
- Several tasks at one inspection point: compare the required elements, result tolerance, sample geometry and throughput. The term “gold analyzer” alone does not define the right configuration.
Plating, solder and non-uniform items
XRF examines material near the surface. Gold plating, protective layers, solder or contamination can make the result unrepresentative of the interior. Measurements at several points help reveal differences, but do not automatically guarantee detection of every filled or counterfeit item. Uncertain cases need an appropriate confirmatory procedure.
Reference-material checks and repeatability assessment on actual samples help establish whether the method meets the needs of a buying operation or laboratory.
Analyzers for different analytical tasks
xrf
SMART 100 PLUS
Benchtop XRF precious-metal tester with a FAST-SDD detector — a result in 1 second, a 2D moving stage and point, multi-point and grid measurement modes; distinguishes 99.9% and 99.99% gold.
- FAST-SDD detector (125 eV, 25 mm²) — a result in 1 second, over 300 kCPS
- Distinguishes 99.9% and 99.99% gold purity (high-purity gold curve)
- 2D stage — point, multi-point and grid modes with live preview
- Measurement of very small samples — collimator from 0.2 mm
icp-oes-aas
OES1000
Spark optical emission spectrometer dedicated to precious metals — fast determination of trace elements in gold (99.9–99.99%) with a PMT detector and a unique optical design.
- Version dedicated to precious metals (gold)
- Photomultiplier (PMT) technology and a unique optical path
- Determination of trace elements in 99.9–99.99% gold
- Elements Ag, Cu, Fe, Pb, Sb, Bi, Pd, Mg, Sn, Ni, Mn, Cr
What determines instrument selection and quotation?
Describe the items, metals of interest, coatings or solder, required accuracy and daily throughput. State whether the task is jewelry buying, production QC or refining. These requirements determine the model, analytical programs and accessories; you do not need to choose an instrument first.
Questions about selection and measurement
Can XRF prove that an entire item is solid gold?
It measures the tested area near the surface. Coatings, filled items and non-uniform materials may require additional procedures. A single XRF result is not unconditional proof of an entire item’s composition.
Does testing damage jewelry?
XRF measurement itself is non-destructive. Other methods or sample preparation may leave a mark. Spark OES1000 is not a non-destructive replacement for XRF on every finished item.
What information is needed for an analyzer quotation?
Provide the sample types, metals, result requirements, throughput and any coatings or solder. This information supports model and configuration selection.