Silver ingot?

[mxtswinger]

I've been detecting for a detectorless friend on occasion. Lots of pre-revolution history on his place. I found this and am hoping someone can tell from the pics whether it is silver. It's much tougher to cut than lead and is covered with black scale. Is there a chemical test I could do?

 

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[mxtswinger]

A couple more

 

[deepsix47]

I've been detecting for a detectorless friend on occasion. Lots of pre-revolution history on his place. I found this and am hoping someone can tell from the pics whether it is silver. It's much tougher to cut than lead and is covered with black scale. Is there a chemical test I could do?

There is a Silver test kit. You can get one at most prospecting shops or through Jewelry Suppliers. Also, just type "silver Test Kit" into Google or Yahoo search and they will bring up numerous places to get one from. Nice piece, let us know what you find out.
Deepsix

 

[PBK]

Nitric acid is commonly used for testing silver. Here's how it works. On the item to be tested, a small, inconspicuous spot is filed or nicked deeply enough to remove any protective coating or plating, and a drop of acid is applied. Changes in color indicate the following:

Green - less than .750 fine (3/4 pure) silver, silver plated, or non-silver

Very dark or black - around .900 fine, or coin silver

Cloudy or creamy - sterling silver (.925 fine) or better

It's a good idea, for purposes of comparison, to do some testing on samples of known content/purity: a plated spoon, a silver dime, a sterling spoon, etc.

Warning! Nitric acid is nasty stuff-- reactive, corrosive, and extremely hazardous-- and should only be used with caution and proper protection, in a well-ventilated area.

 

[silverswede]

Picture 1 and 3 show what looks like a coin imbedded in the clump. If this is so it could be the remains of a collection of change that has been through a structure fire. Quite some time ago I found one that actually had the coins fused together but visable. Kinda a big silver, copper and zinc nugget. Darn good find whatever it turns out to be.

 

[BADDOG]

Maybe a dumb question but have you tried a magnet on it?
It almost looks like it could be a meteor. That's just my guess.

Good Luck and HH

Baddog

 

[Gribnitz]

Maybe a dumb question but have you tried a magnet on it?
It almost looks like it could be a meteor. That's just my guess.
Baddog

Yeah, sure does. Looks like an iron meteorite with all the black encrusting and rusty spots all over it.

 

[mxtswinger]

No, I didn't even think about a magnet. I'll give that a try. The meteorite idea is interesting. I think I have some links for IDing them.

Where can I get nitric acid?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[peterjl]

Note: You should not use Nitric Acid until you know its not a meteorite because I suppose Nitric Acid will make the possible meteorite value ($$$) decrease. But its up to you =).

Peter

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

My guess is it's a meteorite, to me a better find as it isn't of this world.

 

[DJ_Quinn]

I've seen old silver get discolored like that before. Of course, it could be a tin/lead alloy or something else as well. Test it and let us know.

 

[Badger Bart]

It appears from your pics that you have a lot of silver coins that were melted in an iron crucible. What is the size and weight of the object?

 

[diggummup]

No, I didn't even think about a magnet. I'll give that a try. The meteorite idea is interesting. I think I have some links for IDing them.

Where can I get nitric acid?

Thanks for all the help!

Did the magnet stick?

 

[mxtswinger]

NON MAGNETIC. Sorry for not keeping up with the thread, but my router went out in a storm and I'm using my brothers puter for now. The "chunk" is about 1 1/2 inch long. I'm leaning toward the lead/tin alloy until I can get it tested. It "feels" like it is too heavy for silver, but I can't say for sure. I don't have a scale either to weigh it.

Would a jeweler have nitric acid to test it?

Thanks ya'll and Happy Swingin

 

[deepsix47]

NON MAGNETIC. Sorry for not keeping up with the thread, but my router went out in a storm and I'm using my brothers puter for now. The "chunk" is about 1 1/2 inch long. I'm leaning toward the lead/tin alloy until I can get it tested. It "feels" like it is too heavy for silver, but I can't say for sure. I don't have a scale either to weigh it.

Would a jeweler have nitric acid to test it?

Thanks ya'll and Happy Swingin

A good Jeweler should have it or get your own test kit on line or through any Jewelers supply house.
Deepsix