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What makes silver tarnish?

Updated: 9/13/2023
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11y ago

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Sulfur and sulfur compounds. Usually hydrogen sulfide in the air released from fossil fuels. Rubber (rubber/latex gloves and rubber bands). Some foods like eggs, egg products, mayonaisse, mustard, and onions. Some anti-dandruff shampoos like Selson blue. Often human sweat contains sulfur. Some natural fibers like felt and wool. Areas high in air polution (smog).

Silver doesn't oxidize but oxygen acts as a catalyst. Water, humidty, sweat, and O2 will increase tarnish rates. Heat also increases tarnish rates. Silver absorbs higher bandwidths of UV light which increases tarnish rates.

Sterling silver is usually alloyed with copper which does oxidize and tarnishes (patina). Copper in silver increases tarnishing.

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11y ago
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Q: What makes silver tarnish?
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Related questions

What chemical makes sterling silver tarnish?

Liver of Sulfate


Does pure silver tarnish?

Pure silver can tarnish but not as easily as Sterling Silver.


What is difference between oxidized silver and sterling silver?

Oxidized silver is not necessarily sterling silver but sterling silver can be oxidized. Oxidation is a finish on silver, otherwise known as tarnish. Sterling silver can tarnish and silver plate can tarnish, too.


What is the difference between oxidized silver and sterling silver?

Oxidized silver is not necessarily sterling silver but sterling silver can be oxidized. Oxidation is a finish on silver, otherwise known as tarnish. Sterling silver can tarnish and silver plate can tarnish, too.


Which metals tarnish?

Copper, silver, and brass tarnish.


What part of speech is it in the sentence silver will tarnish if it is not polished often?

The word "tarnish" in the sentence "the silver will tarnish if it is not polished often" is a verb. It is describing the action of the silver in the sentence.


Does sterling silver tarnish?

Yes, pollutants present in the air react with silver and cause it to tarnish.


Can a camphor block slow silver tarnish?

yes, a camphor block can slow silver tarnish


Does water make sterling silver tarnish?

silver tarnish because of oxygen in air , not by the water.


What element is shiny but will tarnish after the air hits it awile?

Silver. The purer the silver the more rapidly it will tarnish.


Will silver tarnish?

Yes.


Does silver jewelry tarnish?

No