The magnetic character of 3d atoms on the surface of Au is investigated using the method of quantum interference ͑weak localization͒. We find that single atoms of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co are magnetic on the surface of Au while single atoms of Sc and Ni are nonmagnetic. Single atoms of Ti are locally spin fluctuating. The magnetic dephasing due to the 3d impurities has two maxima, one for iron and a smaller one for chromium impurities and a minimum for manganese. This behavior can be qualitatively described within the Friedel-Anderson model although the experimental values are smaller by roughly a factor of 5 than our theoretical estimates within this model. ͓S0163-1829͑96͒01825-5͔