Thermo Scientific Niton™ - DXL XRF - Gold Tester & Precious Metal Analyzer

Our specialist will demonstrate how to test gold jewelry, coins, and precious metals accurately using the Vanta Element XRF analyzer.

The Thermo Scientific Niton DXL XRF Precious Metal Analyzer is a professional benchtop gold testing instrument designed for fast, accurate and non-destructive analysis of gold, silver, platinum, palladium and other precious metal alloys.

Developed specifically for jewellery shops, gold buyers and precious metal dealers, the Niton DXL uses X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology to measure elemental composition and determine gold karat values in seconds, without damaging the tested item.

Featuring an enclosed, illuminated testing chamber, built-in CCD camera and colour touchscreen, it offers a straightforward way to verify jewellery and other valuable precious metal objects in a retail or professional workshop environment.

Professional Gold Purity & Karat Testing

The Niton DXL analyses the elemental composition of precious metal items to help determine their purity and alloy content.

It is suitable for testing:

• Gold (Au): Gold purity, karat verification and alloy composition.
• Silver (Ag): Silver content and associated alloying elements.
• Platinum (Pt): Platinum purity and alloy analysis.
• Palladium (Pd): Palladium content in suitable precious metal samples.
• Other metals: Additional alloying and trace elements covered by the installed calibration.

With a 22-element precious metals calibration, the instrument provides detailed composition information without requiring traditional acid testing.

Gold-Plating & Counterfeit Detection

The Niton DXL incorporates Thermo Scientific AuDIT™ gold-plating detection technology, designed to help identify many gold-plated items.

This technology can indicate potentially plated materials, including gold over silver, copper, steel or other non-gold substrates.

The instrument can display a gold-plating warning alongside the analytical results, helping users investigate suspicious jewellery before making purchasing or valuation decisions.

Important: XRF measures surface and near-surface composition. Although AuDIT helps detect many plated items, it cannot guarantee detection of every plating type, coating thickness or concealed counterfeit core.

How the Niton DXL XRF Analyzer Works

The Niton DXL uses X-ray fluorescence to identify the elements present in a precious metal sample.

When the instrument exposes the sample to X-rays, the material emits characteristic fluorescent X-rays. The detector measures these signals and calculates the elemental composition using the installed calibration.

For a typical measurement:

1. Prepare the sample: Ensure the item is suitable for XRF testing and that the measurement area is accessible.
2. Position the item: Place the jewellery or metal object inside the enclosed testing chamber.
3. Use the built-in camera: Check the sample position on the display.
4. Close the chamber: Ensure the protective lid is fully closed before starting the measurement.
5. Start the analysis: Initiate testing using the instrument controls.
6. Review the results: Read the elemental composition, gold karat value and any available plating warning on the colour touchscreen.

The enclosed testing system allows customers and operators to view the analysis process without exposing the sample to destructive chemicals.

Key Features

• Non-destructive XRF analysis: Determine precious metal composition without scratching, cutting or acid testing.
• Fast results: Analyse suitable jewellery and precious metal samples in seconds.
• AuDIT™ gold-plating detection: Helps identify many gold-plated and potentially counterfeit items.
• 22-element calibration: Measures precious metals and relevant alloying elements.
• Enclosed testing chamber: Closed-beam design for controlled countertop operation.
• Built-in CCD camera: Allows accurate positioning of small jewellery components.
• Colour touchscreen: Simple, push-button operation with clear analytical results.
• Portable benchtop construction: Compact enough for retail counters and transport between authorised testing locations.
• USB data transfer: Supports storing and exporting measurement records.
• Designed for Jewellery Shops & Precious Metal Professionals

The Niton DXL is particularly suitable for: Jewellery retailers and manufacturers, Gold buying businesses, Pawn shops, Precious metal dealers, Gold and silver refiners, Jewellery recycling businesses, Professional precious metal testing workshops

Its enclosed design and straightforward operation make it especially useful in customer-facing environments where clear, rapid analysis is important.

What's Included?

• The manufacturer's standard configuration lists:
• 1 × Thermo Scientific Niton DXL XRF Precious Metal Analyzer
• 1 × rechargeable 7.2V, 4-cell lithium-ion battery pack
• 110/220V AC power adapter
• USB PC connection cable
• Thermo Scientific Niton Data Transfer (NDT™) software
• Built-in CCD camera
• 8 mm measurement area
• Adhesive tack for stabilising samples
• Spare puncture-resistant X-ray windows

Optional Accessories

• 3 mm small-spot focus feature
• Additional rechargeable battery pack
• External battery charger
• Locking shielded carrying case

Optional accessories are not included unless explicitly stated.

Important: Rhodium-Plated Jewellery & XRF Results

Rhodium plating can influence XRF measurements of white gold jewellery.

Because XRF analyses the surface and near-surface material, a rhodium coating may cause the instrument to report a lower gold concentration than the underlying alloy actually contains.

When testing rhodium-plated jewellery:

• Check the analytical result for rhodium (Rh).
• Test multiple locations where appropriate.
• Consider whether plating thickness or surface condition may influence the reading.
• If necessary and appropriate, have the plating professionally removed from a suitable test area before reassessing the underlying alloy.

A lower-than-expected gold reading on rhodium-plated jewellery does not automatically mean the item is under-karated.

Important Testing Limitations

The Niton DXL provides professional elemental analysis of the tested surface region, but it does not independently verify the entire interior of a metal object.

Thick coatings, unusual surface treatments, sample geometry and concealed internal materials can affect the interpretation of results.

For high-value bullion or suspected counterfeit cores, additional testing methods such as ultrasonic analysis, density measurement or electrical conductivity testing may be necessary.

Radiation Safety & Regulatory Requirements

Professional X-ray instrument – use only in accordance with applicable radiation safety regulations.

The Niton DXL uses an enclosed, interlocked X-ray testing chamber. Operators must follow the manufacturer's instructions and any applicable registration, licensing and radiation protection requirements.

Do not bypass safety interlocks or operate the instrument with damaged protective components.

Professional Gold Testing

The Thermo Scientific Niton DXL XRF Precious Metal Analyzer combines rapid gold purity testing, AuDIT gold-plating detection and a built-in camera in a compact countertop system.

An excellent choice for jewellery shops, gold buyers and precious metal professionals who require non-destructive elemental analysis and clear results when evaluating valuable items.