Legal Definitions - assay

Assay

An "assay" refers to a formal examination or analysis conducted to determine the composition, purity, or quantity of a substance, particularly metals, or to verify the accuracy of weights and measures.

Here are some examples:

• Determining Metal Purity: Imagine a precious metals refinery receiving a large batch of raw gold ore from a mine. Before the refinery can process or value this material, it will perform an assay. This involves taking a representative sample of the ore and conducting precise chemical tests to determine the exact percentage of pure gold present. This examination is critical for establishing the ore's true market value and guiding the refining process.

• Verifying Measurement Accuracy: Consider a government agency responsible for consumer protection conducting inspections at local businesses. An inspector visits a grocery store and performs an assay on the scales used at the deli counter. This involves placing known, calibrated weights on the scale to ensure that it accurately displays the correct weight. The purpose is to verify that customers are being charged fairly based on precise measurements and that the store's equipment complies with legal standards for accuracy.