Handheld XRF Analyzers for Precious Metals
Non-destructive, seconds-fast verification of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium — SciAps handheld XRF lets buyers, refiners, and jewelers confirm precious-metal content without damaging the piece, making valuable metals even more profitable. This page covers the SciAps analyzers used for precious-metal analysis, how each applies, and what they measure.
Why Precious-Metal Buyers Choose SciAps
Precious-metal transactions turn on trust and speed. SciAps XRF delivers Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd concentrations in seconds, non-destructively, with tools designed for transparency at the buy counter — in your hand or on the bench:
Handheld XRF
Seconds-fast Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd anywhere you buy — with a glass-topped test station both parties can watch, and dual cameras for aligning and documenting small items.
See detailsPortable Benchtop
A closed-beam benchtop for jewelry and small pieces: a 3 mm collimated spot, karat values alongside full chemistry, and a gold-plating warning.
See detailsThe Analyzers for Precious Metals
Purpose-Built for Gold & Silver
SciAps optimized the X-5 for non-destructive testing of gold, silver, and other precious metals. Its powerful, miniaturized X-ray tube (40 kV) and advanced internal geometry deliver fast, precise Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd results, with a broad standard element package (more on request). A new test station analyzes small pieces in benchtop mode through a glass window so buyer and seller both see the test, while two integrated cameras align small items and capture full sample images for records.
Portable Benchtop XRF for Gold & Jewelry
Closed-Beam Benchtop for the Buy Counter
The PowerHouse X Precious Metals configuration is a compact 16 lb. (7 kg) benchtop for gold, precious-metal alloys and jewelry. An interlocked lid and leaded-glass window keep the beam closed, while a beam collimated to a 3 mm spot reads small areas, and a targeting image shows exactly where the sample is measured. Karat values appear alongside full chemistry on a 7-inch display, with a gold-plating warning that flags plated pieces.
Which Analyzer Is Right for You?
| Model | Technology | Best for | Also handles |
|---|---|---|---|
| X-5 | XRF | Dedicated precious-metals buyers (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd) | General non-aluminum alloys |
| X-550 | XRF | Precious metals + heavy scrap, maximum speed | Full alloy + aluminum sorting |
| X-505 | XRF | Precious metals + general scrap, one-gun value | All-around alloy analysis |
| X-50 | XRF | Best value; precious metals + car cats | PGM in catalytic converters |
| PowerHouse X | Benchtop | Jewelry and small items at the counter, closed-beam | Karat value and gold-plating warning |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does XRF testing damage gold or jewelry?
No. XRF is non-destructive — it reads the elemental composition at the surface without cutting, scratching, or dissolving the piece, so you can verify gold, silver, platinum, and palladium content and hand the item right back.
Which precious metals can the SciAps X-5 measure?
The X-5 is optimized for gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), and palladium (Pd), and its standard element package also reads related metals like ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, copper, zinc, and more — with additional elements available on request.
Can I test small items like rings and chains?
Yes. The X-5's test station analyzes small pieces in benchtop mode through a glass window, and a built-in micro camera helps align small items precisely, while a macro camera captures full sample images for your records or to share with customers.
Can I add precious-metal testing to an XRF I already own?
Often, yes — the Precious Metals application can be added to existing SciAps XRF analyzers. Contact the SciAps sales team to discuss updating your specific model.
Which SciAps analyzer should I choose for precious metals?
If precious metals are your sole focus, the X-5 is purpose-built and cost-effective. If you also handle scrap or alloys, the X-550 (fastest, premium) or X-505 (value all-rounder) add full alloy sorting, while the X-50 is the best-value pick for buyers who also test catalytic converters. For a closed-beam benchtop at the counter — small spots, karat values and a gold-plating warning — choose the PowerHouse X.