Gold fingerprinting

<p>Gold fingerprinting is a method used to identify and authenticate <a href="/facts/Gold/1znknojp">gold</a> items by analyzing the unique composition of <a href="/facts/Impurities/FfPvIRoB">impurities</a> or <a href="/facts/Trace_element/fcIekKdo">trace elements</a> within the metal. While gold itself is an inert and relatively uniform element, gold found in natural or processed items often contains small amounts of other elements, such as <a href="/facts/Silver/xXe41BGg">silver</a> or <a href="/facts/Lead/EYljasJN">lead</a>. These trace elements, which vary depending on the source and refining process, serve as a "fingerprint" for the gold. By comparing the elemental composition of a gold sample to databases of known sources, experts can determine where the gold was likely mined or processed. This technique is applied in fields such as <a href="/facts/Archaeology/K3Q5P38R">archaeology</a>, <a href="/facts/Geology/WGvVRIYF">geology</a>, and <a href="/facts/Forensic_science/4upVa2vB">forensic science</a>, as it provides insights into the provenance of historical <a href="/facts/Artifact_(archaeology)/SftLTFf5">artifacts</a>, mined gold, or stolen items.
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Gold fingerprinting open-in-new

Gold fingerprinting