Automated spark testing has been developed to remove the reliance upon operator skill and experience thereby increasing reliability. The system relies upon spectroscopy, spectrometry and other methods to” observe” the spark pattern. It has been found that this system can determine the difference between two materials that give off sparks that are indistinguishable to the  human eye. Spark testing involves the use of a field portable electronic instrument specifically designed to analyse metals, measure and quantify the chemical content. The instrument gives elemental content of metallic and non-metallic compounds which make up  the material under analysis and will give the percentage content of the elements present.