SPECTRO xSORT Handheld XRF Spectrometer with New Application for Precious Metals
Posted: 2012-12-19
SPECTRO has equipped the SPECTRO xSORT handheld XRF spectrometer with a
new application package for precious metal analysis. The inexpensive, portable
instrument is able to identify the gold and silver content in many jewelry alloys
within seconds. In addition, the XRF instrument's nondestructive measuring
makes it suitable for applications in archaeometallurgy. Operation of the
instrument is simple; measurements are conducted at the press of a button.
For precious metal recycling, the handheld spectrometer offers security for both
buyer as well as seller. The precious metal content of typical gold alloys can be
determined well enough with traditional touchstone testing (acid test), but this
procedure requires someone with experience – and the seller has to believe the
collector.
"Our instrument, however, shows the precious metal content to both parties,"
emphasizes Dirk Wissmann, who is responsible for the XRF spectrometer
product line at SPECTRO. "Best of all, the pieces of jewelry do not need to be
ground and scratched for measurements with the XRF instrument. This is
important if the value of a piece of jewelry is to be determined or if the jewelry
is to be further marketed as second-hand jewelry and not just be thrown into
the recycling bin."
The SPECTRO xSORT also has an optional integrated video camera so the
measuring point can be exactly determined.
Mobile Instrument Uses in Archaeometallurgy
An interesting secondary application for the portable SPECTRO xSORT is the
scientific study of archaeological gold and silver treasures. A SPECTRO xSORT
already has been used to examine antique objects found in Turkey. It is
possible to reconstruct the manufacturing processes and to identify the period
of time in which objects were created by investigating the precious metal
contents and determining the by-elements. Because sometimes stylistically
different silver jewelry composed of similar materials are found at different
locations, it is even possible to use the archaeometallurgical investigations to
trace antique trade routes.
About SPECTRO
SPECTRO is among the world’s leading suppliers of analytical instruments for
optical emission and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. SPECTRO, a unit of
AMETEK’s Materials Analysis Division, manufactures advanced instruments,
develops solutions for wide range of applications and provides exemplary
customer service. SPECTRO’s products are noted for their unique technical
capabilities that deliver measureable benefits to the customer. From its
foundation in 1979 until today, more than 30,000 analytical instruments have
been delivered to customers around the world. www.spectro.com.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of electronic and
electromechanical products with over 12,000 colleagues at more than 100
manufacturing locations and more than 100 sales and service centers
worldwide.
AMETEK is made up of two operating groups: Electronic Instruments and
Electromechanical. The Electronic Instruments Group manufactures high-tech
instruments for the process, aviation, power and other industries. The
Electromechanical Group is a differentiated supplier of electrical interconnects
and packaging; specialty metals; and floor care, technical and specialty motors
and associated systems. www.ametek.com.
new application package for precious metal analysis. The inexpensive, portable
instrument is able to identify the gold and silver content in many jewelry alloys
within seconds. In addition, the XRF instrument's nondestructive measuring
makes it suitable for applications in archaeometallurgy. Operation of the
instrument is simple; measurements are conducted at the press of a button.
For precious metal recycling, the handheld spectrometer offers security for both
buyer as well as seller. The precious metal content of typical gold alloys can be
determined well enough with traditional touchstone testing (acid test), but this
procedure requires someone with experience – and the seller has to believe the
collector.
"Our instrument, however, shows the precious metal content to both parties,"
emphasizes Dirk Wissmann, who is responsible for the XRF spectrometer
product line at SPECTRO. "Best of all, the pieces of jewelry do not need to be
ground and scratched for measurements with the XRF instrument. This is
important if the value of a piece of jewelry is to be determined or if the jewelry
is to be further marketed as second-hand jewelry and not just be thrown into
the recycling bin."
The SPECTRO xSORT also has an optional integrated video camera so the
measuring point can be exactly determined.
Mobile Instrument Uses in Archaeometallurgy
An interesting secondary application for the portable SPECTRO xSORT is the
scientific study of archaeological gold and silver treasures. A SPECTRO xSORT
already has been used to examine antique objects found in Turkey. It is
possible to reconstruct the manufacturing processes and to identify the period
of time in which objects were created by investigating the precious metal
contents and determining the by-elements. Because sometimes stylistically
different silver jewelry composed of similar materials are found at different
locations, it is even possible to use the archaeometallurgical investigations to
trace antique trade routes.
About SPECTRO
SPECTRO is among the world’s leading suppliers of analytical instruments for
optical emission and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. SPECTRO, a unit of
AMETEK’s Materials Analysis Division, manufactures advanced instruments,
develops solutions for wide range of applications and provides exemplary
customer service. SPECTRO’s products are noted for their unique technical
capabilities that deliver measureable benefits to the customer. From its
foundation in 1979 until today, more than 30,000 analytical instruments have
been delivered to customers around the world. www.spectro.com.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of electronic and
electromechanical products with over 12,000 colleagues at more than 100
manufacturing locations and more than 100 sales and service centers
worldwide.
AMETEK is made up of two operating groups: Electronic Instruments and
Electromechanical. The Electronic Instruments Group manufactures high-tech
instruments for the process, aviation, power and other industries. The
Electromechanical Group is a differentiated supplier of electrical interconnects
and packaging; specialty metals; and floor care, technical and specialty motors
and associated systems. www.ametek.com.
