XRF Testing
X-Ray Fluorescence — a non-destructive method to verify precious metal purity in seconds without damaging the jewelry piece.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Detailed Explanation
XRF spectrometry is the primary non-destructive testing method for metal composition verification in jewelry. The instrument directs a focused X-ray beam at the surface, causing atoms to emit secondary X-rays at element-characteristic energies. Analysis takes 5-30 seconds per measurement point and can detect Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Rh, Cu, Zn, Ni, and other elements. For accuracy, test at least 3 points per piece. XRF penetrates 5-50 microns deep — thick plating can mask underlying base metal. Handheld XRF units are widely used in Meilong factories for on-the-spot verification.
Common Uses
Incoming material verification, production QC, pre-shipment inspection, retail authenticity checks.
Advantages
Non-destructive, fast (seconds per test), no sample preparation, portable handheld units available.
Limitations
Surface-only measurement, thick plating can hide base metal, requires calibration.