Silver Bullion - How to Test for Pure Silver

This section of the Silver Bullion website is all about how to test for pure silver, safely and discreetly, when it comes to physical silver such as silver jewelry and silverware (tableware). The silver tests described here will not damage the silver or metal, but it is best not to apply these tests to silver coins, especially silver coins of collector’s value (numismatic value). We have created a separate page specifically focusing on the steps that can be taken in order to spot counterfeit silver coins (fake silver coins) in general.

Silver Testing Kit

Tips for Cleaning Silver

Ok, so before you leave for the nearest charity shop, yard sale, or elsewhere where you might find silver jewelry and silverware (tableware) at bargain prices, you might want to make sure that you know how to test for pure silver in a safe and relatively discreet manner. In fact, if you know how to test for pure silver, you definitely increase your chances of finding substantial bargains, especially if the merchant or seller is uninformed and doesn’t know how to test for pure silver. We will focus on two tests here in order to establish whether a shiny metal is in fact silver or not, namely: The French’s Brand Yellow Mustard Test and the Sulfur Match Test. Both tests will, firstly, involve a chemical reaction on the surface of the metal or substance, and secondly, a visual inspection to establish whether silver sulfide (dark black stain) is present or not:

The French’s Brand Yellow Mustard Test: This test is the more discreet of the two silver tests described on this page. It requires that the tester (that is you!) apply a drop of French's brand yellow mustard (strong mustard) to the surface of the shiny metal or substance. The idea is that the sulfur contained in the mustard combine with any pure silver present to form silver sulfide (dark black stain). If pure silver is present, depending on circumstances, it might not combine with the sulfur immediately to form silver sulfide (dark black stain). In order to speed up the process, it might be necessary to heat the drop of mustard in the sun or by using a cigarette lighter. When heated, some of the sulfur molecules will always combine with pure silver to form silver sulfide (dark black stain), a telltale sign of pure silver. Do not worry about damaging the silver, even when a cigarette lighter is used to heat up the drop of mustard, because silver has a melting point of 961.78°C or 1763.20°F. It will take much more than a cigarette lighter flame to cause damage. However, please note that the dark black stain (silver sulfide) cannot be wiped away with your finger. You will need to use a cleaning agent specifically designed to clean silver.

Silver Testing Kit

Tips for Cleaning Silver

The Sulfur Match Test: This test is not as discreet as the French’s Brand Yellow Mustard Test, but can be much more effectively. Needless to say, you should be careful when attempting the Sulfur Match Test inside a store, especially in the presence of a merchant or seller who is not familiar with the test or method. It is always best to ask for permission first. Attempting it without permission, despite the sincerity of the effort or attempt, might land you in hot soup with the merchant or seller (and even the authorities!), especially when such an attempt is construed to be an attempt to commit arson. Yes, it’s laughable, but in this silly society of ours, anything is possible! Ok, so after obtaining permission (if required to do so), you must do the following to perform the test: Take two matches; press one against the shiny metal or substance to be tested and use the other match to light on fire the first match. Now if pure silver is present, the extremely hot sulfur that combusts will most definitely combine with the pure silver present, forming silver sulfide (dark black stain). Again, please note that the dark black stain (silver sulfide) cannot be wiped away with your finger. You will need to use a cleaning agent specifically designed to clean silver.