How to identify the authenticity of nickel plate?

2025,04,07

I. Appearance Inspection Method

Color and luster

The real Nickel Plate is silver-white and the surface is bright, if the color is dull, yellowish or grey, it may be nickel-plated or other metal counterfeits.

Surface flatness

The surface of the real product is smooth without oxidation, rust or obvious scratches; the inferior product may be uneven or have granularity.

2.Physical Identification

Scratch test

Scratch the surface with a razor blade, if it reveals golden yellow or golden red, it is nickel-plated piece; pure nickel has no obvious discoloration.

Weight Comparison

Under the same volume, pure nickel is about 15% heavier than nickel-plated iron, which can be detected by electronic scale.

Salt water immersion method

Immerse the sample in salt water for 4-5 hours, if the salt water turns green or yellow, it is nickel-plated; pure nickel has no significant change.

Magnetic test

Pure Nickel Material is slightly magnetic at room temperature; if the magnetism is too strong, it may contain iron or other alloy components.

3, chemical simple test

Nitric acid reaction

Drops of nitric acid on the surface, pure nickel has no significant reaction; if intense blistering or discoloration, may be other metals.

Copper sulfate test

After wiping the surface, drop copper sulfate, if it becomes purple-red and non-magnetic, it may be high manganese steel counterfeiting.

4.Specialized testing methods

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Through elemental composition analysis, determine whether the nickel content meets the standard.

Electron probe analysis

Detect the distribution of elements on the surface to distinguish between pure nickel and plated material.

5. Other auxiliary methods

Resistance measurement: Under the same size, the resistance value of pure nickel is smaller than nickel-plated material.

Quality certification: verify whether the product has brand certification or test report, such as no logo need to be careful to buy!

Author:

Mr. Aaron Shen

E-mail:

shenguanlun9696@gmail.com

Phone/WhatsApp:

+86 13709173123