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Acid test - Wikipedia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

(Redirected from Acid test (gold))

An acid test is a qualitative chemical or metallurgical assay utilizing acid. Historically, it often involved the use of a robust acid to distinguish gold from base metals. Figuratively, the term represents any definitive test for attributes, such as gauging a person's character or evaluating a product's performance.

Chemistry

Testing for gold with acid capitalizes on gold's status as a noble metal, resistant to corrosion, oxidation, or acid. The procedure includes rubbing the gold-colored item on black stone, leaving a visible mark. The mark undergoes scrutiny by applying nitric acid, which dissolves the mark of any item not gold, stainless steel, zinc, tungsten, aluminum, platinum, or palladium.^[1] If the mark persists, further testing involves aqua regia (nitric acid and hydrochloric acid). If the mark dissolves, the item proves to be genuine gold. More precise assessment of fineness or purity is achieved using varying strengths of aqua regia and comparative testing against known fineness.^[2]^[3]^[4]^[5]

Geology

In geological applications, detecting the presence of calcite or other forms of calcium carbonate in alkaline soils or during lithological analysis involves using dilute hydrochloric acid and observing effervescence.^[6]

Figurative meanings

The figurative usage of the expression gained popularity during and after the California Gold Rush,^[7] but had currency even before then. An example from the Wisconsin paper The Columbia Reporter, November 1845, illustrates this: "Twenty-four years of service demonstrates his ability to stand the acid test, as Gibson’s Soap Polish has done for over thirty years."^[8]

Other instances of the figurative use of the phrase include websites like Acid1, Acid2, and Acid3, designed to test web browsers for compliance with current web standards. Financial analysts also employ the "acid test" nickname for the quick ratio method, which assesses the liquidity of a business.

The term "acid test" took on a different meaning in the realm of experiences with the psychedelic drug LSD,^[9] popularized by the Merry Pranksters. This association stems from the drug's colloquial name, "acid" (which chemically it indeed was).

References

^ "How Do Jewelers Test Gold?". AaLAND Diamond Jewelers. 22 June 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2023. Nitric acid does not react to gold that's 12 karats and above, nor does it react to stainless steel, zinc, tungsten, aluminum, or palladium.
^ Bunge, Mario (1998). Philosophy of Science: From Explanation to Justification. Transaction Publishers. p. 343. ISBN 9780765804143.
^ Hall, Marie Boas (1958). Robert Boyle and Seventeenth-century Chemistry. CUP Archive. p. 128. gold test aqua regia.^{[dead link‍]}
^ School Science and Mathematics Association; Central Association of Science and Mathematics Teachers (1913). School science and mathematics, Volume 13. University of California: School Science and Mathematics Association. p. 732.
^ Chaplan, Michael (2005). The Urban Treasure Hunter: A Practical Handbook for Beginners. Square One Publishers. p. 194. ISBN 9780757000904. gold testing kit.
^ Geology.com. "The Acid Test for Carbonate Minerals and Carbonate Rocks". Geology.com. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
^ "Q&A: Acid test". World Wide Words. Archived from the original on 2011-06-04. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
^ "Acid test". Phrases.org.uk. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
^ "The acid test". Cosmos Magazine. Archived from the original on 2008-06-13. Retrieved 2007-02-01.

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