Quoting the Pegadaian website, distinguishing real and fake gold can be seen from its physical characteristics. Usually, gold jewelry has letter codes that indicate its origin along with special signs indicating the gold content. Such as 10K, 18K, 22K, and 24K.

To test the authenticity of gold, you can do it by scratching it on ceramic. Simply scratch the gold on the surface of the ceramic slowly. If black scratches appear, then there is a high possibility of other metal content in the gold. This is because real gold will not leave any scratches. Its color will remain shiny yellow.

Try to smell the aroma of the gold. This method is based on the nature of gold that does not corrode even when soaked in water. Fake gold that has been mixed with brass or copper tends to emit a fishy smell or rust after being exposed to sweat, water, or immersion.

"Solid gold bars have a dense shape, so their sound remains loud when dropped on a hard surface or ceramic. The sound of genuine gold ringing is longer and louder. When dropped on metal, genuine gold sounds even louder. Conversely, the ringing of fake gold tends to be shorter when dropped."

Dripping nitric acid onto gold can determine whether it is fake or real gold. However, this test is quite risky if done alone because nitric acid is harmful to respiratory health. Real gold will not react to the nitric acid drops. However, fake gold will produce the following color reactions: