Silver is blackened because?
Answers
Answer:
First of all what causes the discolouration? Silver turns black when kept in the air because it reacts with sulphur compounds such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S) present in air. The phenomenon is called corrosion and, for silver in particularly, is called tarnishing. The black substance formed is silver sulphide.
Explanation:
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Why does silver turn black or green?
By Ines Bouwen on 19 December 2018
Diensten - Onderhoud Juwelen Banner
Is your silver jewelry oxidized? Or is your ring leaving a black or green mark on your finger? Here are some possible explanations and some steps you can take to remedy the situation.
Possible explanations why silver oxidizes?
Silver becomes black because of hydrogen sulfide (sulfur), a substance that occurs in the air. When silver comes into contact with it, a chemical reaction takes place and a black layer is formed. Silver oxidizes faster in places with a lot of light and high humidity.
Also contact with products like cosmetics, hair spray, perfume, deodorant, body lotion, bleach, etc., can speed up the oxidizing process.
Besides that, the natural oils that your skin produces can also react to your silver jewelry. The extent to which the silver reacts with these substances from your skin is highly dependent on the type of food you eat, alcohol consumption and whether you are taking medication. These things influence the acidity of your skin, which can cause a reaction. Also sweat (which ammonia occurs in) raises the acidity of the skin and could tarnish the silver.
That silver jewelry that turns black would be made of a less silver content or even be no silver, is incorrect and a myth. The oxidation of silver jewelry is a sign that it is really silver. Other (noble) metals oxidize differently.