How to Test Methamphetamine (Meth, Crystal, Ice)

Methamphetamine can’t be identified reliably with the naked eye. We recommend testing amphetamine with 3 tests. The first two identify methamphetamine and help rule out compounds mis-sold as methamphetamine. The third test can differentiate between amphetamine and methamphetamine.

  1. The primary test for methamphetamine is the Marquis test. If methamphetamine is present, it goes from orange/red to brown with time.
  2. The second step is to use the Liebermann test, which yields an orange color. Unlike Marquis, the color change with this test generally doesn’t go to brown.
  3. Finally, to differentiate amphetamine from methamphetamine, use the Simon’s test. Simon’s turns blue with methamphetamine and doesn’t change color with amphetamine.

Simon’s is a two part test, first use a drop of “Simon’s A”, followed immediately by a drop of “Simon’s B”.

We provide an methamphetamine test kit package with all three tests.

Methamphetamine Test Kit »

Consider getting the Froehde reagent to check for cuts. It reacts with most powders, but doesn’t react with methamphetamine.

For a visual demonstration, please see the following:

Meth/Amphetamine Test Kit Package Video Demo


Amphetamine Color Reactions