Question Hi Thomas,
I am replacing a terrible test stone [came with/ acid kit]it more than scratched all jewelry. My dilemma : Arkansas stone versus
Danube river test stones ???!? While I am pestering you..1/4"thick or 1/2 inch thick ? Life is so hard these days,from toothpaste to test stones the choices are overwhelming !
So,best gold testing stone that will not harm my jewelry
???
Most Appreciating......Megan
AnswerMegan,
A "scratch stone" used for acid testing of jewelry must do two things well to be effective:
1. Not react with the acid and cause the test to be misleading
2. Remove just enough metal from the jewelry to provide a valid "streak" for the test
I believe either stone mentioned should do just fine with the Arkansas stone "possibly" being more gentle on the jewelry. I say possibly because Arkansas stones are originally used to sharpen knives and the abrasive to almost smooth qualities depend on the grade of the stone.
Regardless, when a stone streak is used for testing metal the metal MUST be rubbed hard enough on the stone to get a good streak and to go through any thin plated layers. The test is by its nature going to slightly mar the jewelry. If this did not happen, you would not remove metal deep enough from the jewelry to have a valid test. There is not a way to use a stone and acid test without at least a minor scuff on the items. On rings and even chains with "edges" of some sort, use the edge on the stone. The mark will show the least this way.
Keep in mind, precious metal jewelry can be buffed to a nice finish removing any marks. A qualified jeweler can do this rather quickly.
You are not going to wear out the stone in any reasonable amount of testing and a thickness of 1/4 inch should be fine. Why pay for twice the thickness when it cannot be used?
Megan, best wishes with the testing. With some practice and using edges you will be able to make a mark for the acid with the minimal scuff to the jewelry. However, keep in mind that for the test to be true, you must remove some metal and that will always mean a little scuff on the metal. Finer stones will leave the mark less noticeable.
Best wishes and God Bless. Thomas.
