How do you identify the type of metal you recover?

[toddaway]

Silver, sterling silver, gold, titanium, aluminum, etc...when something comes out of the ground all covered in corrosion and dirt, how do you know if it's valuable or not? Even if it's jewelry, it could be junk. Is there a way to tell, or is it just a matter of experience?

 

[gunsil]

Most all jewelry made from precious metal is marked with that metal. Sterling, 925, 14K, 10K, 18K,etc. There will be some good stuff that is unmarked, or the markings are worn off, but most will be marked. Real sterling silverware will also be marked. Costume jewelry is not marked, except sometimes with the maker's company name. Some folks use special acid testing kits to determine if an item is made from precious metal, or some go to their local pawn shop or jewelry store to get the item checked out.

 

[toddaway]

Thanks, gunsil. I'll look for markings then. I found a really old looking spoon once that felt quite hefty but I didn't see any markings on it. Not knowing what else to do with it, I threw it in the trash :/

 

[Ice Scratcher]

Welcome to the Friendly Forum!!

Here is a thread I started just for your type of question....

http://metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?t=155253

Good luck!!

<*)))>{

 

[toddaway]

Awesome! Thanks!