No type of silver or gold is magnetic.
It’s a question many folks have when they want to tell if something’s real silver or gold or want to know how to test for the presence of silver and gold in an item.
Gold and Silver Eagle Comparison
Surely, if magnets stick to your sterling silver then you may have a big problem on your hands—that’s because sterling silver is not magnetic!
So, if a magnet sticks to anything that you believe or have been told is silver or gold, then at the very least you have been accidentally misinformed or, at worst, scammed.
There are only a few metals that we encounter on a daily basis that are magnetic, including ferritic metals such as iron, nickel, and cobalt. Other less frequently encountered magnetic metals are samarium, neodymium, and gadolinium. So, that means there are plenty of metals that may look like silver but are not magnetic, including aluminum, zinc, and pewter.
Now, perhaps at this point you’re remembering that 1943 steel cents, which are made from zinc, are magnetic. As you know, zinc, a non-magnetic metal, constitutes only a thin coating on the steel cents, and steel contains the ferromagnetic metal iron. So, because 1943 steel cents are mostly steel, they are attracted to magnets.
But does this mean that silver- or gold-plated items may also stick to magnets? That depends on the other composition of the metals or other material under the plating. Certainly, a steel-framed watch or necklace coated with a thin layer of gold or silver plating may be magnetic. A simple pass of a magnet would give away that the object isn’t really made from solid gold or sterling silver.
Yet, that doesn’t rule out that non-magnetic items passing for valuables are always made from precious metal. Consider the situation in which a watch or piece of jewelry is made from a non-magnetic material, such as copper or even plastic.
How To Test If Something Is Really Made From Silver Or Gold
Have you ever seen Olympians playfully chomp down on their gold medals or trophies? This isn’t because eating gold is part of a champion’s well-balanced diet!
Rather, gold and some other precious metals are soft—softer than human teeth and much softer than pyrite, or “fool’s gold.” Now, you don’t see many coin collectors chewing on their gold coins, in part because doing so could damage these valuable collectibles. Also, there are more effective ways to check for the fineness of gold and silver products.
Here are a few methods:
When it comes to coins, rounds, and bars, test them for size and weight and be sure they check out within tolerances.
Subject the coin to a silver or gold acid test. Beware acid may discolor the surface of the silver or gold coin and thus should be used sparingly and with non-collectible bullion coins or bars.
Use an X-ray spectrometer or audio spectrum analyzer to test the metallic properties of your coins, bars, and other precious metal items.
Do some thermal conductivity testing on silver, which can involve something as simple as an ice cube. It will quickly begin melting on a pure silver coin or bar.
Get the item authenticated by a reputable coin or bullion dealer or jeweler. They can test the contents of your coins, rounds, bars, watches, and other items.
How To Avoid Buying Fake Silver Or Gold
If you want to buy real silver or gold coins, bars, or other item precious metals items, there are many ways you can ensure you’re getting the Real McCoy.
Here are some tips for safeguarding yourself against fake gold and silver:
Always buy precious metal items from a reputable seller—it’s generally not a wise idea to purchase any valuable from just anybody.
DON’T look for or buy “cheap” gold or silver! Unless you’re buying something at a discount price from a trusted loved one or friend, gold or silver items being offered for less than their spot value may be counterfeits.
When buying silver coins or bars, educate yourself on what authentic pieces should look like. Too many inexperienced hobbyists buy coins that seasoned collectors and investors can pick out as fakes from a mile away. Rounds and bars should match or be within the tolerances of specific weights and sizes.
If you’re buying non-monetized bullion items such as rounds and bars, stick with pieces from major, reputable refineries. Look for those with well-known and highly recognizable seals. These are generally easier to spot than fakes from less-than-familiar names.
Don’t forget to use the magnet test! Remember, if your gold or silver items are magnetic, they’re not really pure gold or silver!
Silver Bars
Are There Any Coins (Besides The 1943 Steel Cent) That Are Magnetic?
The 1943 steel cent is the only regular-issue United States coin that contains enough iron to be magnetic.
While nickel is also magnetic, there isn’t enough nickel in standard United States coins to make them magnetic. Even the five-cent coin, widely called a “nickel,” is only 25% nickel, with the balance made from copper. Therefore, U.S. five-cent coins don’t stick to magnets despite their nickel composition.
Things are different in places like Canada or Great Britain, where many coins are made from magnetic metals such as steel and nickel. These include the Canadian 1 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 25 cent, and 50 cent coins made since 2000, which have steel cores. Also magnetic are British 1 and 2 pence coins struck since 1992.
There are many other types of magnetic coins around the world, too. But remember—these are almost always base-metal coins with little intrinsic value. Gold and silver coins are not magnetic!
Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez is a journalist, editor, and blogger who has won multiple awards from the Numismatic Literary Guild. He has also authored numerous books, including works profiling the history of the United States Mint and United States coinage.
More articles about gold and silver from the author:
Top 10 Mind-Blowing Silver Facts
How Much Silver Is There In the World?
Why Does Silver Tarnish?
What Is Sterling Silver?
Where Does Gold Come From?
How Is Silver Made?
FAQs
In their pure, natural forms, gold, silver, aluminum, copper, brass, and lead are not magnetic. This is because they are all weak metals.
Is gold and silver magnetic or not? ›
Like gold, silver isn't attracted to a magnet. There may even be other metals like copper, platinum, or nickel mixed with the gold to give it different colors. They also make it harder so it doesn't bend or scratch.
Can you check for gold or silver with a magnet? ›
The Magnet Test
Most precious metals-like gold and copper-are nonmagnetic, and silver is no exception. Grab some magnets and see if they are drawn to your object. "Silver is not noticeably magnetic, and exhibits only weak magnetic effects unlike iron, nickel, cobalt, and the like," says Martin.
Is there a magnet strong enough to pick up gold? ›
Since gold is both paramagnetic and diamagnetic, both cancel one another out and become weak. So a strong magnet will attract gold ever so slightly and will also repel it. Therefore, and unfortunately for mining purposes, a magnet that can overcome both effects and heighten the effects of either only, does not exist.
Will a magnet pick up real silver? ›
Silver is not magnetic, not even with the strongest magnet. However, silver is diamagnetic. If you hold a silver coin at 45 degrees a suitable magnet will slide down it slowly.
How can I test my gold and silver at home? ›
Place your jewelry on a table or hold it in your hand, pour some white vinegar on the metal directly (a dropper can also be used) if the metal of the jewelry changes its color, it is not pure gold and if it keeps shining then you have real gold in your hand.
Is gold fake if it sticks to a magnet? ›
What to do: Hold the magnet up to the gold. If it's real gold it will not stick to the magnet. (Fun fact: Real gold is not magnetic.) Fake gold, on the other hand, will stick to the magnet.
Will 14k gold stick to a magnet? ›
But since 14k gold is an alloy, it can be magnetic, depending on the other metals used in its composition. For example, if it contains iron or nickel (ferromagnetic metals), then it will be attracted to a magnet. However, if it contains metals like copper or aluminium, then it will not be magnetic.
Does a magnet stick to gold plated silver? ›
It can still be a low-purity solid gold alloy that contains magnetic metals. On the other hand, a piece may be gold plated, but it will not attach to a magnet because its core metal is non-magnetic.
How reliable is the magnet test for gold? ›
The Magnet Test
Gold is not magnetic, so there should not be any attraction to magnets. If there is, you most likely don't have real gold. However, some of the base metals that can be mixed with gold are also non-magnetic so you can get a false read.
Metals you may encounter less often but are magnetic include neodymium, samarium, and gadolinium. The only time an item containing gold or silver could stick to magnets is if it was silver or gold plated.
Will 18k gold stick to a magnet? ›
Check if your gold is real by performing the magnet test. Real gold will not attract a magnet. To test if 18k gold is real, hold it next to a magnet. If the magnet sticks to your jewelry, then it does not have a high percentage of gold but is made up of other, more magnetic metals.
Does 925 silver stick to a magnet? ›
No, silver is not magnetic. Test your jewelry with a strong magnet. Slowly move the magnet closer. If your piece snaps to the magnet, then it is not true sterling silver.
Will a magnet pick up 925? ›
Real sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver; the most common alloy used to harden it is copper, and neither of these metals is magnetic. Often a clasp is made of something different that may be magnetic, but if the chain you describe sticks to a magnet, then sadly it is not “sterling” and should not be marked “. 925.”
Can you test real gold with vinegar? ›
How to Test Gold With Vinegar. Apply a few drops of white vinegar to your gold jewelry. Real gold will not change color, but vinegar can cause fake gold items to react and change color.
What happens to fake gold in vinegar? ›
If your gold piece turns black or green when the vinegar is on it, or if it starts to smoke or fizzle at all when the vinegar touches it, it is most likely not real gold. If your gold piece does not change colors and does not fizzle or react to the vinegar in any way, it is probably real.
How can I test gold quickly? ›
Gently drop your gold item into the water. Real gold is a heavy metal and will not float, so if your gold item floats you know it is not real gold. Also, if you notice rust or tarnishing on the item after being in water, this is also a sign it is not real gold since gold doesn't rust or tarnish.
How can you tell if gold is real or plated? ›
Acid test.
An acid test can reveal the karat of solid gold jewelry, but it can also show whether jewelry is solid gold or gold-plated. With an acid test, a small sample of the jewelry is removed and exposed to acid to induce a color change. The resulting colors indicate which type of metal the jewelry is made of.
How do you manually test gold? ›
Along with your ornament, you will need a black stone similar to the jeweller's stone. Rub your piece of jewellery on the stone and add nitric acid to the mark. The acid will dissolve any other metals other than pure gold. If the mark dissolves upon applying nitrohydrochloric acid, it confirms the gold is pure.
What is the best magnet to test gold with? ›
Ideally, you could use a Neodymium disc magnet or a similar bar magnet to carry out these tests.
Test Gold using the Float Test
- Take a cup or glass, fill it up with water, and now bring the gold that you want to test.
- Drop it into this filled glass.
- If the gold floats, it is surely not real but if the gold sinks to the end of the glass then it is pure gold. The real gold will sink due to being heavy metal.
Fool's gold is actually iron sulfide, a non-magnetic, inexpensive and abundant material that is a byproduct of petroleum production.
What does it mean 925 on gold? ›
It indicates that the material's composition is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. This means it's both fairly malleable and bright. However, some people assume that when a piece of gold jewelry features this hallmark, it means the piece has a gold content of 92.5%. This is not the case.
What are the only 3 metals that magnets can stick to? ›
Only ferromagnetic materials such as iron, cobalt, and nickel are attracted to magnetic fields strong enough to be truly considered magnetic. However, all metals can be placed into one of three categories: Ferromagnetic.
Are diamonds magnetic? ›
Natural Diamonds are magnetically inert (diamagnetic). They can be imitated by natural Zircon, and by many man-made materials such as Moissanite, Strontium Titanate and synthetic Rutile (all diamagnetic).
What is the rarest magnet in the world? ›
Neodymium Magnets (commonly known as Neodymium Iron Boride, NdFeb, or Neo magnets) are the most powerful Rare-Earth magnets available today.
What karat of gold is not magnetic? ›
As we have mentioned above, pure gold is not magnetic. Therefore, 24-karat gold jewelry will not be attracted to magnets. On the other hand, gold alloys that contain iron, cobalt, or nickel can be magnetic.
Can 14k gold go in an MRI? ›
MR safe is defined as any object, device, implant, or equipment that poses no known hazards in the MRI environment., meaning they have no magnetic pull and are perfectly safe to enter the MRI scan room without any worries. Some examples are items that are made of plastic, gold, sterling silver, titanium.
Will coins stick to a magnet? ›
Since 1992, coins have been made with steel, which is magnetic. (Pre-1992 coins are made out of bronze, which will not attract.) The dangling shows us how magnetic force travels through some metals, in this case coins (coins become magnetised when they attach) but gets weaker with each one.
The easiest way to determine if a 1943 cent is made of steel, and not copper, is to use a magnet. If it sticks to the magnet, it is not copper.
What does AA mean on silverware? ›
The maker or company name is usually stamped on the back of the piece along with an indication that it's plated: In America, for instance, these marks are A1, AA, EP, or the full phrases "sterling inlaid", or "silver soldered." According to industry standards, AA has one-third as much silver used in plating as does A1 ...
Are nickels magnetic? ›
Nickel. Nickel is also a popular magnetic metal with ferromagnetic properties. Its compounds are also found in the earth's core.
How do you test silver with vinegar? ›
You can do it in four easy steps:
- Make a tiny scratch where it is not visible.
- Pour a tiny drop of vinegar on the scratch. You can use ordinary white vinegar that you already have in your kitchen.
- Observe the piece. If the spot changes color, then this isn't silver.
925 silver, often referred to as sterling silver, is, in fact, real silver though it is an alloy rather than pure silver. 925 silver means your item is 92.5% silver and 7.5% another metal, such as copper. This means that your 925 silver is valuable and can be sold.
What does 999 silver mean? ›
Fine Silver is 99.9% Silver (999) used in silver bullion bars. Pure Silver, also known as fine silver is considered to be relatively soft, malleable and easily damaged, so it is commonly combined with other metals which in turn helps to produce a more durable and long-lasting product.
What coins will a magnet pick up? ›
Copper-plated coins are attracted to magnets because of the iron content of the steel core, whereas bronze coins are not magnetic. In 1998, 2p coins were struck in both copper-plated steel and bronze.
Does 14k gold stick to a magnet? ›
But since 14k gold is an alloy, it can be magnetic, depending on the other metals used in its composition. For example, if it contains iron or nickel (ferromagnetic metals), then it will be attracted to a magnet. However, if it contains metals like copper or aluminium, then it will not be magnetic.
Does sterling silver stick to a magnet? ›
No, silver is not magnetic. Test your jewelry with a strong magnet. Slowly move the magnet closer. If your piece snaps to the magnet, then it is not true sterling silver.
What metals are magnetic to gold? ›
Gold, in its pure form, is not magnetic. It is known as a diamagnetic material because it has a weak repulsive force toward magnets. But when gold is alloyed with metals like zinc, copper, nickel, iron, cadmium, aluminum, silver, platinum, and palladium, it may display magnetic properties.
