Acid test (gold)

An acid test is any qualitative chemical or metallurgical assay which uses acid; most commonly, and historically, the use of a strong acid to distinguish gold from base metals. Figuratively, acid test is any definitive test for some attribute, e.g. of a person's character, or of the performance of product.

For other uses, see Acid test (disambiguation).

Chemistry

Testing for gold with acid focuses on the fact that gold is a noble metal which is resistant to change by corrosion, oxidation, or acid. The acid test for gold is to rub the gold-colored item on black stone, which will leave an easily visible mark. The mark is tested by applying nitric acid, which dissolves the mark of any item that is not gold. If the mark remains, it is tested by applying aqua regia (nitric acid and hydrochloric acid). If the mark is removed, then this test dissolves the gold, proving the item to be genuine gold. More accurate testing of the item for its fineness or purity can be done through the use of differing strengths of aqua regia and comparative testing of gold items of known fineness.[1][2][3][4]

Figurative meanings

The figurative meaning of the expression, where it is applied to tests of character, or definitive tests to other materials, became popular during and after the California Gold Rush,[5] but was current before then, as shown by this quote from the Wisconsin paper The Columbia Reporter, November 1845: "Twenty-four years of service demonstrates his ability to stand the acid test, as Gibson’s Soap Polish has done for over thirty years."[6]

Other examples of the figurative use of the phrase are the web sites Acid1, Acid2 and Acid3, which are designed to test web browsers for compliance with current web standards. Another example is the quick ratio method, nicknamed "acid test", used by financial analysts to assess the liquidity of a business.

The use of the term "acid test" for experiences with the psychedelic drug LSD[7] was popularised by the Merry Pranksters, and derives from the drug's common name, "acid".

References
  1. Bunge, Mario (1998). Philosophy of Science: From Explanation to Justification. Transaction Publishers. p. 343. ISBN 9780765804143.
  2. Hall, Marie Boas (1958). Robert Boyle and Seventeenth-century Chemistry. CUP Archive. p. 128. gold test aqua regia.
  3. 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.
  4. Chaplan, Michael (2005). The Urban Treasure Hunter: A Practical Handbook for Beginners. Square One Publishers. p. 194. ISBN 9780757000904. gold testing kit.
  5. "Q&A: Acid test". World Wide Words. Archived from the original on 2011-06-04. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
  6. "Acid test". Phrases.org.uk. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  7. "The acid test". Cosmos Magazine. Archived from the original on 2008-06-13. Retrieved 2007-02-01.
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