Mining For Gold - With A Magnet?

[markh]

I had always thought that a magnet was a good way to tell if a nib is gold, or just plated steel.

 

I have an old Ink-o-cater pen with a gold tone nib, marked "ink-o-cater" #4. It doesn't say gold, so I assumed it wasn't.

 

I tried testing with a magnet - it didn't stick. Then I tried several other pens I know have steel nibs - the magnet didn't stick to any of these either.

 

I guess the reasonable conclusion is that a magnet doesn't indicate whether a nib is gold or steel.

 

.

[FarmBoy]

There are non-magnetic non-gold alloys that have been used to make nibs.

[markh]

There are non-magnetic non-gold alloys that have been used to make nibs.

 

I'm sure, but even an old Esterbrook isn't magnetic.

[Randal6393]

Not all steels are magnetic, not all stainless steels are non-magnetic. I guess that test needs corroborating tests and facts.

 

Enjoy,

[RudyR]

Not all steels are magnetic, not all stainless steels are non-magnetic. I guess that test needs corroborating tests and facts.

 

Enjoy,

 

Stainless steel, in many instances is not magnetic. I was informed of that when I was contemplating buying an induction stove and found many of my Stainless steel Al Clad cookware would not work with it. All of my cast iron Le Creuset would.

[nigelg]

..........and an explanation from Scientific American.

[Randal6393]

Thanks, nigelg, not that I followed that explanation all that closely. Still, it is interesting.

 

Enjoy,