Scratch testing is one of the oldest methods known to man for testing the karat of gold. In experienced hands, a scratch test is sensitive to within about +/- 1/2 karat or about 2%. In the hands of a novice, sensitivity is more likely to be about +/-1-2 karat. Kits come with instructions (see: Gold Scratch Test Instructions).

The complete kits are for testing gold, silver and platinum. They come with gold test needles, wooden case, test acids and a scratch stone.

For video instructions, see: