[Darryl1]

Hi, I hope this is the correct forum.  I wasn't sure if here or in the materials.  Anyway, I've done some searches about determining the silver composition of different things and I thought I'd ask for some clarification.
I know items that are sterling or pure silver would have .925 or .999 stamped on them somewhere.  I have some antiques that I don't know for sure.  I don't see stamps, but it's possible they were from before stamping, or they have worn off.  Also, I have heard some things coming out of China are fraudulently stamped that are really just plated.  So let's assume any markings or lack there of don't mean anything.  I know there are nitric acid type tests in which you have to scratch below where any plating would be and there is a color change.  Are there any other sorts of tests one can do with household type stuff to determine composition?
Thanks!

-d

[Arkcon]

If you doubt the purity the metal in an item, you don't have to resort to a scratch test analytical.  You can use the density of an item to determine if its where it shouldbe, or not.  Cf.  Archimedes.  http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=21523.msg81899#msg81899

[Darryl1]

I thought of Archimedes, but the items I would be testing aren't all metal - they have other materials attached.  Good thought though.

BTW, sorry I posted that to the wrong forum.  I'm still very new.

-d

[billnotgatez]

I did a GOOGLE on
silver non destructive testing
and got mixed results which might give you answers if you have time to sift through the links
or you might have better luck using a better search question
never the less this link stuck out as interesting
https://www.silverbullion.com.sg/BullionTesting.aspx

I would not consider scratch testing as non destructive, but that is me and does not appear to be the consensus of some of the links found.

Let us know what you find.

[Darryl1]

Thanks for that link.  Now if only I had my own ultrasonic measuring system.
I'll continue to do searches, but i'm beginning to think the cheapest way would be a mildly destructive test and I may have to break down and buy a kit.

-d

[billnotgatez]

I have some antiques

would be a mildly destructive test

This is depressing
You might want to sift through the GOOGLE responses and see if there is another answer.
[silver non destructive testing]
There were lots of hits or maybe you can refine the search question.
Also the answer may come from another nondestructive test on metal like gold which you could use on silver.
Patience is a virtue

[billnotgatez]

I got to think there is something out there that will work.
I was thinking electrical conductivity but setting up a method would be interesting.
The devil is in the details.

just tossing out ideas
Still pondering