---
title: "Testing Platinum and Palladium: How Dealers Verify PGM Authenticity"
source: "https://goldealers.co.uk/knowledge/testing/testing-platinum-palladium"
date: "2025-12-02"
---

# Testing Platinum and Palladium: How Dealers Verify PGM Authenticity

Platinum and palladium, members of the platinum group metals (PGMs), require specialised testing approaches due to their unique properties and high value. These precious metals are less commonly encountered than gold or silver, making accurate identification crucial when buying or selling. Professional dealers like Goldealers use sophisticated testing methods to verify platinum and palladium items and determine their exact purity.

Understanding how these metals are tested helps you appreciate the thorough verification process and explains why certain items receive specific valuations. Whether you're selling a platinum engagement ring, palladium jewellery, or industrial platinum, this guide reveals the professional testing methods that ensure accuracy and fair pricing.

> **PGM Testing Essentials:** Platinum and palladium testing combines hallmark expertise, advanced XRF analysis, and specialised verification techniques. These methods distinguish genuine PGMs from similar-looking white gold and other metals whilst determining precise purity levels.

## Why Platinum and Palladium Testing Differs

Platinum and palladium present unique testing challenges compared to gold or silver:

### Shared Characteristics

**Visual Similarity:**
- Both appear silvery-white in colour
- Can resemble white gold or silver
- No visual test reliably distinguishes between them
- Professional testing essential for identification

**High Value:**
- Both metals trade at significant prices per gram
- Accurate identification critical for proper valuation
- Small errors in testing lead to large valuation differences
- Worth the investment in proper testing equipment

**Industrial Importance:**
- Heavily used in automotive catalysts
- Electronics and scientific applications
- Medical and dental uses
- High-purity standards required

### Testing Challenges

**Less Common Than Gold:**
- Fewer dealers have PGM expertise
- Some testing methods designed for gold don't work on platinum
- Specialized equipment may be needed
- Customer and dealer education important

**White Gold Confusion:**
- Platinum often confused with white gold
- Both used in engagement rings and fine jewellery
- Different values despite similar appearance
- Clear differentiation necessary

**Multiple Purity Standards:**
- Platinum: 950 (95%), 900 (90%), 850 (85%)
- Palladium: 950 (95%), 500 (50%)
- Various international standards
- Must identify exact purity for accurate valuation

## Step 1: Hallmark Examination

Professional testing always begins with careful hallmark inspection. UK-hallmarked platinum and palladium items carry distinctive marks.

### UK Platinum Hallmarks

> **Platinum Marks:** UK platinum items over 0.5g must be hallmarked. Look for "Pt", "Plat", "Platinum", or numeric purity marks like "950" alongside an assay office symbol.

**Common Platinum Hallmarks:**

**Purity Marks:**
- "950" or "Pt950" (95% platinum - most common for jewellery)
- "900" or "Pt900" (90% platinum)
- "850" or "Pt850" (85% platinum - less common)
- "999" or "Pt999" (99.9% platinum - bullion/industrial)

**Text Marks:**
- "PLATINUM" or "PLAT" (often with purity number)
- "Pt" abbreviation
- May include maker's mark

**Assay Office Symbols:**
- Orb (Edinburgh) - common for platinum
- Castle (Edinburgh)
- Anchor (Birmingham)
- Leopard's head (London)
- Rose/Crown (Sheffield)

**Date Letters:**
- Letter indicating year of assay
- Helps establish age of item
- Not essential for scrap value

### UK Palladium Hallmarks

Palladium hallmarking became mandatory in the UK in 2010:

**Purity Marks:**
- "950" or "Pd950" (95% palladium - standard for jewellery)
- "500" or "Pd500" (50% palladium - alternative alloy)

**Palladium Symbol:**
- Stylised "Pd" or candlestick head mark
- Distinctive from platinum marks
- Assay office symbol also present

**Pre-2010 Items:**
- May lack palladium-specific hallmarks
- Could be marked as white gold incorrectly
- Testing essential for unmarked pieces

### Foreign Hallmarks

**European Marks:**
- Numeric purity marks (950, 900, etc.)
- National assay symbols
- May use "PT" or "Pt" prefix

**American Marks:**
- "PLAT" or "PLATINUM" stamps
- Often with purity (e.g., "PLAT 950")
- Company/maker marks common

**Absence of Marks:**
- Items under hallmarking threshold (0.5g for platinum, 1g for palladium)
- Foreign pieces from countries without hallmarking
- Old items where marks have worn off
- Requires testing to confirm metal type

[Learn to distinguish platinum from white gold](/knowledge/platinum-palladium/platinum-vs-white-gold)

## Step 2: XRF Analysis (Primary Testing Method)

X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is the gold standard for testing platinum and palladium. It provides instant, accurate identification without any damage to items.

### Why XRF Excels for PGMs

**Precise Identification:**
- Instantly distinguishes platinum from palladium from white gold
- Identifies exact percentages (e.g., 94.8% platinum, 5.2% iridium)
- Detects alloying metals present
- No confusion between similar metals

**Elemental Analysis:**
- Shows complete composition breakdown
- Typical platinum alloy: 95% Pt, 5% iridium/ruthenium/cobalt
- Palladium alloy: 95% Pd with ruthenium, or 50% Pd with silver/copper
- Identifies unusual or unexpected compositions

**Speed and Safety:**
- Results in 10-30 seconds
- Non-destructive (no scratching, cutting, or acid)
- Safe for valuable engagement rings and heirlooms
- Can test multiple items quickly

### How XRF Testing Works for PGMs

**Process:**
1. Item placed in XRF analyser window
2. X-rays directed at metal surface
3. Platinum/palladium atoms emit characteristic fluorescence
4. Detector analyses spectrum
5. Device displays elemental percentages

**Reading Results:**

**Platinum Item:**
```
Pt (Platinum): 95.2%
Ru (Ruthenium): 4.8%
```
Confirms 950 platinum jewellery

**Palladium Item:**
```
Pd (Palladium): 95.4%
Ru (Ruthenium): 4.6%
```
Confirms 950 palladium jewellery

**White Gold (Not Platinum):**
```
Au (Gold): 75.3%
Ni (Nickel): 12.5%
Cu (Copper): 10.2%
Zn (Zinc): 2.0%
```
Shows it's 18ct white gold, not platinum

### XRF Advantages for Goldealers

**Accuracy:**
- Identifies metals with 99%+ certainty
- Distinguishes between all precious metals
- Detects trace elements and impurities
- Professional lab-grade results

**Customer Confidence:**
- Visual display shows composition
- Clear differentiation between platinum/palladium/gold
- Immediate verification
- Transparent process

**Versatility:**
- Tests rings, chains, bars, industrial scrap
- Works on plated or alloyed items
- Can test through small areas
- Effective on unusual shapes

### XRF Limitations

**Surface Analysis:**
- Reads surface composition (few microns deep)
- Heavy plating could theoretically mislead
- Dealers may test multiple spots if suspicious
- Very rarely an issue with platinum/palladium (plating uncommon due to cost)

**Equipment Investment:**
- Professional XRF machines expensive (£20,000-50,000+)
- Not all small dealers have them
- Goldealers uses professional-grade XRF as standard

[Detailed explanation of XRF technology](/knowledge/testing/what-is-xrf-testing)

## Step 3: Physical Property Testing

Platinum and palladium have distinctive physical characteristics that aid identification.

### Density Testing

Both metals have notable densities that distinguish them from imitations:

**Density Values:**
- **Pure platinum:** 21.45 g/cm³ (extremely dense - denser than gold)
- **950 Platinum:** ~21.0 g/cm³
- **Pure palladium:** 12.02 g/cm³ (lighter than platinum)
- **950 Palladium:** ~11.5 g/cm³
- **18ct white gold:** ~15-16 g/cm³ (comparison)
- **Silver:** 10.49 g/cm³ (comparison)

**How Dealers Test:**
1. Weigh item precisely in air (grams)
2. Measure volume via water displacement
3. Calculate density: mass ÷ volume
4. Compare to expected values

**Use Cases:**
- Large platinum bars or significant pieces
- When hallmarks are absent or suspicious
- Verifying claimed platinum isn't actually white gold
- Industrial platinum scrap

**Practical Application:**

> **Weight as a Clue:** Platinum feels noticeably heavier than white gold of the same size. A platinum ring will feel substantially weightier than an identically-sized 18ct white gold ring. This "heft test" provides an initial indicator.

### Magnetic Testing

**Platinum:**
- Generally non-magnetic
- Some platinum alloys with cobalt may show slight magnetic properties
- Strong magnetic attraction indicates not platinum (likely steel or white gold with ferrous components)

**Palladium:**
- Non-magnetic
- No magnetic response expected
- Magnetic attraction rules out pure palladium

**Testing Process:**
- Apply strong neodymium magnet
- Observe any attraction or repulsion
- Strong pull definitely eliminates platinum/palladium
- Weak or no response consistent with PGMs but not definitive

**Limitations:**
- Doesn't prove metal IS platinum/palladium
- Only eliminates certain fakes
- Must combine with other tests

### Appearance and Colour

**Platinum Characteristics:**
- Silvery-white with grey undertone
- Natural patina develops (shows use but not wear-through)
- Doesn't require plating (unlike white gold)
- Consistent colour throughout (scratches show same metal)

**Palladium Characteristics:**
- Bright silvery-white
- Lighter in appearance than platinum
- No tarnishing
- Stays lustrous over time

**White Gold Comparison:**
- Usually rhodium-plated to achieve white colour
- Base colour more yellow-white if plating wears
- Plating can flake or wear at edges
- May show yellowish tinge where worn

**Visual Inspection Limitations:**
- Appearance alone insufficient for definitive identification
- Many metals look similar
- Lighting conditions affect perception
- Supporting evidence only

## Step 4: Acid Testing (Specialised for PGMs)

Acid testing platinum and palladium differs significantly from testing gold or silver due to PGMs' exceptional chemical resistance.

### Platinum Acid Testing

**The Challenge:**
Platinum is extremely chemically resistant - it won't dissolve in most acids, including nitric acid that dissolves gold.

**Aqua Regia Test:**
- Mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid (3:1 ratio)
- One of few substances that dissolves platinum
- Highly corrosive and dangerous
- Rarely used outside laboratory settings

**Practical Dealer Tests:**

**Hot Nitric Acid Test:**
1. Scratch item on test stone
2. Apply concentrated hot nitric acid to streak
3. Platinum streak remains unchanged (acid doesn't affect it)
4. White gold or silver streak dissolves or changes colour
5. Demonstrates platinum's inertness

**Result Interpretation:**
- **Platinum:** No reaction, streak stays metallic grey
- **White gold:** Dissolves, may show yellow tinge (gold component)
- **Silver:** Dissolves quickly, streak disappears

**Safety Considerations:**

> **Highly Hazardous:** Acid testing for platinum involves dangerous chemicals (especially aqua regia). Only trained professionals should perform these tests. Goldealers staff are properly trained and equipped for safe chemical testing.

### Palladium Acid Testing

**Palladium Test Acid:**
- Specialised acid formulation for palladium
- Different from gold or silver test acids
- Creates distinctive colour change

**Testing Process:**
1. Create small scratch on test stone from item
2. Apply palladium test acid to streak
3. Observe colour reaction

**Results:**
- **Genuine palladium:** Characteristic colour change (varies by acid brand - often yellow/orange)
- **Not palladium:** Different reaction or no reaction
- **Mixed metals:** Inconsistent or strange colour

**When Dealers Use Acid Tests:**
- XRF result ambiguous or unavailable
- Confirming XRF findings on valuable items
- Testing unmarked or suspicious pieces
- Customer requests additional verification

### Acid Testing Limitations

**Not First Choice:**
- Creates small mark on item
- Requires hazardous chemicals
- Less precise than XRF
- More skill-dependent

**When Useful:**
- Confirming platinum vs white gold (platinum unaffected by nitric)
- No XRF available
- Quick field test for knowledgeable dealers
- Traditional method still valid

## Step 5: Other Verification Methods

### Spectroscopy

**Laboratory Analysis:**
- Optical emission spectroscopy
- Provides extremely precise composition
- Used by refineries and assay offices
- Not typically available at retail level

**When Used:**
- Large-value transactions requiring absolute certainty
- Conflicting test results
- Assay office certification needed
- Industrial scrap of unknown composition

### Fire Assay

**The Process:**
- Sample melted in a crucible
- Chemical process separates platinum from other metals
- Extremely accurate purity determination
- Destructive (requires sample)

**Application:**
- Refinery analysis of bulk platinum
- Official assay certification
- Not for individual jewellery items
- Final settlement for large lots

### Electrical Conductivity

**Theory:**
- Different metals have different conductivity
- Can help distinguish between similar metals
- Requires specialized equipment

**Practical Use:**
- Some electronic testers measure conductivity
- Supplementary test only
- Less common for platinum/palladium
- More relevant for gold/silver testing

## Professional Testing at Goldealers

Our systematic approach ensures accurate identification and fair valuation of all platinum and palladium items.

### Goldealers Testing Protocol

**Initial Assessment:**
1. Visual inspection for hallmarks and condition
2. Magnet test (quick elimination of fakes)
3. Weight measurement for density consideration

**Primary Testing:**
4. XRF analysis provides definitive identification
5. Composition data recorded for each item
6. Purity percentage confirmed (950, 900, 500, etc.)

**Confirmation (if needed):**
7. Acid test for ambiguous cases
8. Multiple spot checks on large items
9. Density verification for bars or heavy pieces

**Customer Communication:**
10. Results explained clearly
11. Test evidence shown if customer interested
12. Any questions answered thoroughly

### Equipment and Expertise

**Professional Standards:**
- Top-tier XRF analysers (regularly calibrated)
- Certified testing chemicals and materials
- Precision scales and measuring equipment

**Trained Staff:**
- Experienced precious metals specialists
- Knowledge of PGM characteristics
- Understanding of hallmarking systems
- Continuous professional development

**Quality Assurance:**
- Multiple verification steps
- Peer review on high-value items
- Clear documentation of results
- Transparent communication with customers

## Common Testing Scenarios

### Platinum Engagement Rings

**Typical Findings:**
- Most UK platinum rings hallmarked 950
- XRF confirms 95% platinum, 5% iridium/ruthenium
- Occasional 900 platinum (older pieces)
- Clear differentiation from white gold

**Customer Concerns:**
- "Is this really platinum?" (confirmed by hallmark + XRF)
- Sometimes customers have white gold believing it's platinum
- Testing provides definitive answer
- Value difference significant between platinum and white gold

### Palladium Jewellery

**Context:**
- Palladium jewellery popular 2009-2020 (when price was lower)
- Many pieces marked "Pd 950" or "Pd 500"
- Less common now due to high palladium prices

**Testing:**
- XRF instantly identifies palladium vs platinum
- 950 palladium most common for rings
- 500 palladium sometimes found in vintage pieces
- Valuable despite being lighter than platinum

[Complete guide to selling palladium](/knowledge/platinum-palladium/selling-palladium-guide)

### Platinum vs White Gold Confusion

**Common Situation:**
- Customer unsure if ring is platinum or white gold
- Both look similar (silvery-white)
- Major value difference between them

**Resolution:**
- Hallmark examination first (look for "Pt" vs "Au" or karat marks)
- XRF provides instant definitive answer
- Platinum shows ~95% Pt, white gold shows ~75% Au
- Weight comparison supports finding (platinum heavier)

**Valuation Impact:**
- Platinum typically worth more as scrap (high purity, dense)
- 18ct white gold has less gold than platinum has platinum
- However, depends on current market prices of each metal
- Accurate identification essential for fair offer

### Industrial Platinum

**Forms:**
- Laboratory equipment (crucibles, wire)
- Thermocouple wire
- Catalyst materials
- Electrical contacts

**Testing Challenges:**
- May be high-purity platinum (999)
- Could be platinum-plated
- Sometimes contains other PGMs (rhodium, iridium)
- Professional XRF analysis essential

## Understanding Test Results

### Platinum Purity Grades

**950 Platinum (95%):**
- Standard for jewellery
- Excellent durability
- Good value as scrap
- Most common purity

**900 Platinum (90%):**
- Slightly harder alloy
- Less common now
- Still valuable scrap
- Slightly lower payout per gram

**850 Platinum (85%):**
- Rare in jewellery
- More alloy content
- Proportionally less valuable
- Still genuine platinum

### Palladium Purity Grades

**950 Palladium (95%):**
- High-quality jewellery standard
- Similar purity to 950 platinum
- Good scrap value when palladium prices high

**500 Palladium (50%):**
- Alternative jewellery alloy
- Half palladium, half silver/copper typically
- Lower scrap value (proportional to content)
- Less common

### What Results Mean for Value

**Valuation Factors:**
- Metal type (platinum vs palladium)
- Purity percentage (950 vs 900 vs 500)
- Current market price of the metal
- Weight of pure metal content

**Example Calculation:**
- 950 platinum ring weighing 10 grams
- Contains 9.5g pure platinum
- Value = 9.5g × current platinum price/gram
- Dealer offers percentage of this (typically 90-95% for platinum)

> **Fair Pricing:** Goldealers bases offers on test-confirmed purity and weight, using live market prices. Transparent calculations ensure you understand exactly how your valuation is determined.

## Why Multi-Method Testing Matters

### Accuracy Through Verification

**Combined Approach Benefits:**
- Hallmarks provide initial identification
- XRF confirms and quantifies composition
- Physical properties support findings
- Multiple data points increase confidence

**Catches Errors:**
- Fake hallmarks detected by XRF
- Plated items revealed
- Misidentified metals corrected
- Protects both parties

### Professional Reputation

**Dealer Integrity:**
- Accurate testing prevents disputes
- Builds customer trust
- Ensures compliance with standards
- Maintains business credibility

**Customer Protection:**
- Receive correct value for items
- No underpayment due to misidentification
- Clear understanding of what you're selling
- Confidence in transaction

## Next Steps

Ready to sell your platinum or palladium items with confidence? Goldealers' professional testing ensures accurate identification and fair valuations for all PGMs.

**What to do next:**
1. Check items for hallmarks (look for "Pt", "Plat", "Pd" marks)
2. Note any "950", "900", or "500" purity numbers
3. Separate platinum items from palladium and white gold
4. Request a quote from Goldealers based on confirmed metal type and weight

**Useful Resources:**
- [How to tell platinum from white gold](/knowledge/platinum-palladium/platinum-vs-white-gold)
- [Complete guide to selling platinum jewellery](/knowledge/platinum-palladium/selling-platinum-jewellery)
- [Guide to selling palladium items](/knowledge/platinum-palladium/selling-palladium-guide)
- [Understanding XRF technology](/knowledge/testing/what-is-xrf-testing)

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How can dealers tell the difference between platinum and white gold?**

A: Dealers use multiple methods to distinguish platinum from white gold. First, they examine hallmarks - platinum is marked "Pt", "Plat", or "950" (for 95% purity), whilst white gold shows karat marks like "18K" or "750" (for 18ct). The most definitive test is XRF analysis, which instantly reveals composition: platinum shows approximately 95% Pt with small amounts of iridium or ruthenium, whereas white gold shows approximately 75% Au (gold) with other metals. Platinum is also noticeably heavier (denser) than white gold of the same size. Goldealers uses professional XRF testing to provide certain identification.

**Q: Is XRF testing safe for my platinum or palladium jewellery?**

A: Yes, XRF testing is completely safe and non-destructive. It uses X-rays to analyse the elemental composition of your jewellery without any physical contact, scratching, or chemical application. The test takes only seconds and causes no damage whatsoever to your items. This makes XRF ideal for valuable engagement rings, heirlooms, or any pieces you want to keep in perfect condition. The X-rays only affect the testing device and sample, with no safety concerns for the customer or the item being tested.

**Q: Why don't dealers just use the hallmark to identify platinum?**

A: Whilst hallmarks are excellent indicators, professional dealers verify them through testing for several important reasons. Some items have fake hallmarks applied to deceive buyers, unmarked items may still be genuine platinum (especially if under 0.5g or from countries without hallmarking), and hallmarks can occasionally be misread or refer to only part of an item (like a platinum setting with gold band). XRF testing confirms that the hallmark is genuine and the item's composition matches what the mark indicates. This protects both you (ensures correct payment) and the dealer (avoids purchasing misidentified items).

**Q: Can platinum be tested with the same methods as gold?**

A: Some methods overlap, but platinum requires specialised testing in key areas. XRF analysis works excellently for both metals and is the preferred method. However, acid testing differs significantly - gold dissolves in nitric acid, but platinum doesn't, which actually helps distinguish them. The acids used to test gold won't affect platinum, and testing platinum requires different chemicals (like aqua regia) which are more hazardous and rarely used at retail level. Goldealers' XRF testing handles all precious metals accurately, so specialised acid tests are rarely necessary.

**Q: How accurate is testing for palladium?**

A: Professional XRF testing is extremely accurate for palladium identification, typically within 0.1-0.2% of true composition. It can easily distinguish palladium from platinum, white gold, or silver, and identify whether a piece is 950 palladium (95% pure) or 500 palladium (50% pure). Hallmark examination helps initially, but XRF provides definitive confirmation. Palladium testing is just as reliable as platinum or gold testing when proper equipment and trained staff are employed, as is standard at Goldealers.

**Q: What if my platinum ring doesn't have a hallmark?**

A: Unmarked platinum items can absolutely be tested and valued. Platinum rings under 0.5 grams are legally exempt from UK hallmarking requirements, and foreign platinum may lack UK hallmarks. Goldealers can verify unmarked items using XRF analysis, which definitively identifies platinum and determines purity regardless of hallmark presence. We'll test the item, confirm it's genuine platinum, establish its purity percentage, and offer you a fair price based on the confirmed platinum content. The absence of a hallmark doesn't prevent you from selling or reduce the value - it just means testing is especially important.

**Q: Can a jeweller's fake platinum stamp fool XRF testing?**

A: No, XRF testing cannot be fooled by fake stamps or hallmarks because it analyses the actual elemental composition of the metal itself, not surface marks. A white gold ring stamped with "Pt950" might look convincing visually, but XRF will reveal it's approximately 75% gold with copper and other metals, not 95% platinum. The X-ray fluorescence reads what's truly there at the atomic level. This is precisely why reputable dealers like Goldealers use XRF - it provides absolute verification that goes far beyond visual inspection or trust in hallmarks alone.

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*Published by Goldealers Ltd · https://goldealers.co.uk/knowledge/testing/testing-platinum-palladium*