Instruction
1
Look at the sample. If cupronickel, then you will see the acronym MNC (an alloy of copper, Nickel and zinc). Silver should be a routine test, like any precious metal, consisting of digits (e.g., 925).
2
Soak the item in water. With silver, nothing happens, but the surface of the Nickel silverand oxidized green color.
3
RUB the surface of the product lyapisny pencil. If the surface remains unchanged, then be sure it is silver. On the surface heappears as a dark spot.
4
Try to estimate the weight of the product. Products made of cupronickeland will seem very light compared to products made from silver.
5
Pay attention to the price. If the purchase you are offered a silver product at a low price, there is reason to think. Most likely, it's Melchior.
6
Ask for help to one's own sense organs. Smell the subject. Melchior, as a rule, has the smell of copper. In order to better feel the smell, the product can be rubbed. "Ping" and listen to the sound it makes.
7
Contact: jewelers, restorers metal. Thanks to their experience, they will be able to determine what made the thing: whether it is silver or imitation silver.
8
Use the iodine. Silver in the sun, in the place where they used iodine to darken. Have this method minus. That appears, spot clean have you.
9
Clean the surface where you will conduct the experiment and pour the bichromate. The higher the fineness of the silver, the more intense is the red colour.
10
Well, remember that Nickel silver is often used for making dishes. And if the product no samples, it is likely this is Melchiornew thing, perhaps plated with silver.
11
Melchior from silver to distinguish very difficult and often impossible. If you want to be 100% sure, better contact the professionals. Rely on your intuition (smell, listen, weigh, look.