Gold Refining Process - Manhattan Gold & Silver

Our Precious Metal Refining Process

Our gold refining process begins when we receive your scrap gold (or other precious metals) to be recycled. To determine the metal’s purity, we perform an assay. Once we have assayed the weight and purity of the gold, we have all the information we need to quote you a payout price. From there, your gold is melted down in our refinery. You can even watch this entire process in person.

Testing Methods for Precious Metals

Depending on the amount of precious metals and the form they’re in, some assays can be more efficient than others. We specialize in several types of assays, or testing methods. This chart shows the key differences between the assays we offer and their costs:

	Acid Testing	XRF-Analysis	Fire Assay	Ultrasonic Testing
Accuracy	10-20 parts per thousand	2-5 parts per thousand	1-5 parts per ten-thousand	100%
Destructive?	No	Yes	Yes	No
Time for Results	Instant	two minutes	1-2 days	Instant
Cost	Free	$5	$25	Free
Useful for testing…	most small lots	filing dust, polishing material and non-plated metals	very large lots of mixed materials	bullion authenticity

Our Assays

Depending on the size of the lot, the type of scrap it contains, and your personal preference, we may do one of these assays:

Acid Test (Hand Test)
X-RF Assay
Fire Assay
Ultrasound Assay

While gold, silver, platinum and palladium metals come from different industries and may be used for different applications, we have expertise with them all.

Acid Testing

The acid test for gold has been used by jewelers, refiners, and other precious metal professionals for centuries. We use this acid testing method for small pieces or lots of precious metal.

About Acid Testing

XRF Assay

For our customers with a sizable enough lot who want a highly accurate precious metal analysis, we use XRF gold testing (X-ray fluorescence) as our onsite assaying method.

About X-RF Assays

Fire Assay

A fire assay–or melt test–is the most complex and accurate assay method. Commonly used at mining companies and refineries, we recommend this testing method when acid or X-RF tests aren’t the best assay option.

About Fire Assays

Ultrasound Assay

The ultrasound test is perfect for determining whether an item is precious metal-plated without damaging it. That’s because unlike other assay methods, melting is not required.

About Ultrasound Assays

Questions About Our Refining Process? We’re Happy To Help!

Refining Process