Abstract:
A pen-like device having a scriber for scratching a deep groove in a yellow colored, metal article object, such as jewelry, being tested for the gold content thereof, and an applicator provided on an opposite end of the pen-like device for conveying an acid solution, which is housed within the pen-like device, onto, around and in the groove to observe whether there is a color change to the testing area, on which the acid solution was applied, making the the testing area darker or black, where such a color change would indicate that the metal article or object is imitation gold, or has a gold content which is less than minimum karat requirement of the test. The acid solution includes a specific percentage of nitric acid which changes the color of the testing area when in contact with most imitation gold materials, preferably a specific percentage of hydrochloric acid to coact with the nitric acid, and a specific percentage of selenious acid which changes the color of the testing area when contacting a bronze or brass material. The specific percentage of each acid can easily be determined, for testing gold having a specific karat value.