What Causes Tarnish On Silver Jewelry?
The chemical reaction of the silver with the air causes silver to tarnish.
Jeremy Lupke
Last Update 10 mesi fa
Tarnish on silver jewelry is primarily caused by a chemical reaction between silver and sulfur-containing substances in the environment.
Here are the main factors contributing to tarnish:
Sulfur Compounds: Silver reacts with sulfur compounds, especially hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) present in the air, to form silver sulfide (Ag₂S), which is the black or dark coating commonly seen on tarnished silver. These sulfur compounds can come from pollution, certain foods (like eggs and onions), wool, and rubber.
Moisture and Humidity: High humidity levels can accelerate the tarnishing process. Moisture in the air facilitates the reaction between silver and sulfur compounds.
Chemicals: Exposure to chemicals such as lotions, perfumes, hair sprays, and household cleaning products can also cause silver to tarnish. These products may contain sulfur or other reactive compounds.
Body Oils and Sweat: Natural oils and sweat from your skin contain acids and salts that can react with silver, leading to tarnish.
Storage Conditions: Storing silver jewelry in areas with poor air circulation or in materials that contain sulfur (like certain types of felt or wool) can promote tarnish.
To minimize tarnish, it is recommended to store silver jewelry in a dry, airtight container, use anti-tarnish strips or cloths, and clean the jewelry regularly with a silver polishing cloth.