Do Precious Metals Have Distinctive Smells or Tastes?
Another way to identify precious metals . . .
Do Precious Metals Have Distinctive Smells or Tastes?
We have written on this blog before about what gold, silver, platinum, and other metals look like. Gold is yellow and doesn’t tarnish, for example. Silver is white in color and does collect a layer of chalky tarnish. And platinum is white in color and doesn’t tarnish.
But what if you use other senses to identify precious metals? To be specific, your sense of taste and your sense of smell. You might be wondering whether we are suggesting that you lick or smell a piece of metal scrap to classify it. And in fact, we are.
Common sense: Remember that sodium, mercury, and other metallic elements can burn or poison you. Also, if a piece of scrap is either tarnished or dirty, you will certainly not want to put it up to your nose or into your mouth. However, if a piece of metal is bright and shiny and untarnished, it will generally not be poisonous. And if you are trying to identify the metals that are present in a small item of jewelry, smelling or tasting it will probably not do you any harm.
The Smells and Tastes of Common Metals
Gold
Pure 24K Gold is both tasteless and odorless. But gold with lower karat ratings could have a smell and/or taste because other metals are present.
Brass
Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is not a precious metal. But it does have a distinctive taste. And when you touch brass and then rub your hands together, you’ll notice a metallic smell that is caused when the metal interacts with your perspiration. The active elements in brass—copper and zinc—contribute to the taste and smell. That explains why brass jewelry is not popular – it leaves an aroma on your skin.
Silver
Silver is generally considered tasteless. However, there’s a phenomenon known as argyria, which occurs when silver compounds accumulate in the body. This can lead to a metallic taste in the mouth. Argyria is rare and usually associated with excessive exposure to silver, such as through certain medications or industrial processes.
Silver is odorless too. However, if you handle silver objects or jewelry, you might notice a faint metallic scent on your skin, due to an interaction between the silver and your natural skin oils.
In summary, while silver doesn’t have a strong taste or aroma, its presence can occasionally lead to subtle sensory experiences.
Platinum
Platinum is tasteless. Unlike some other metals, platinum doesn’t leave a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth.
Platinum is also odorless and handling platinum objects won’t result in any noticeable scent on your skin.
Rhodium
Rhodium, a rare and silvery-white transition metal, possesses fascinating properties. It is generally considered tasteless.
Rhodium is also odorless, and handling rhodium objects won’t result in any noticeable scent.
What Metals Are Toxic?
Lead is highly toxic, even in small amounts. It can cause developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and damage to organs. Exposure can occur through lead-based paints, contaminated water, and certain occupations.
Mercury poisoning affects the nervous system, leading to tremors, memory loss, and other health issues. Exposure can occur from eating fish that have been contaminated with methylmercury, and from certain industrial processes.
Cadmium damages the kidneys and lungs. Long-term exposure can lead to osteoporosis and cancer. Sources include cigarette smoke, contaminated food, and some industrial emissions.
Thallium poisoning affects the nervous system, causing symptoms like hair loss and gastrointestinal issues. It is rare, but exposure can occur through accidental ingestion or industrial processes.
Beryllium can cause chronic lung disease (berylliosis) in susceptible individuals. Occupational exposure can occur in industries like aerospace and electronics.
Remember, while some metals are essential for life (like iron), others can be harmful. Vigilance and awareness are crucial to minimize exposure to toxic metals.
Don’t Rely on Sight, Taste, and Smell Alone to Identify Precious Metals
If you want to identify the precious metals that are present in old jewelry or any other kind of metal scrap, call Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners at 800-426-2344 or email us at sales@specialtymetals.com. We can test your material quickly and issue you a comprehensive report on the precious metals it contains.