Touchstone

A touchstone is a small tool, usually made out of hard stone or metal, that is used to determine purity and type in various metals. This is done by rubbing the metal against the touchstone, which leaves a small trace of the metal in dust form where the metal was rubbed against it. A trained eye is able to compare this against the dust of a metal that they already know the composition of and allows them to tell if the metals match, with an accuracy up to one percent difference in make. The metals can then be washed off with water or any form of solvent, leaving the touchstone clean to determine composition again.

Item type

Tool

Rarity

Very common among bankers and shopkeepers, less so among the general public.

Weight

Varies by material and size.

Dimensions

While their size varies, they are usually small enough to keep in one's pocket.

Base Price

Varies between materials and size.

Raw materials & Components

Many different materials are used to make touchstones, however, the touchstone has to be made of a material that stays relatively rough even at fine sanding.