Yes, silver will turn dark, a process known as tarnishing.
Silver is a reactive metal, and its interaction with substances in the environment causes it to tarnish. This tarnish appears as a dark or black layer on the silver's surface. Here's why:
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Reaction with Sulfur: The most common cause of silver tarnishing is its reaction with sulfur-containing compounds in the air and on your skin. These compounds can come from various sources:
- Air Pollution: Industrial pollutants often contain sulfur compounds.
- Body Chemistry: Sweat, oils, and even some medications can influence your skin's chemistry, leading to the release of sulfur compounds. As the reference states, even "sweat, sickness or a boozy weekend can all change your body chemistry causing your silver to turn black."
- Certain Foods: Eating foods high in sulfur can also affect your body chemistry.
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How Tarnishing Works: When silver reacts with sulfur, it forms silver sulfide (Ag₂S), which is black. This layer of silver sulfide is what you see as tarnish.
Factors Affecting Tarnishing
Several factors can influence how quickly and intensely silver tarnishes:
- Humidity: High humidity accelerates tarnishing.
- Air Quality: Areas with high levels of air pollution will cause silver to tarnish faster.
- Storage: Storing silver in airtight containers or tarnish-preventive bags can slow down the process.
- Personal Chemistry: As mentioned above, your body chemistry plays a role.
How to Clean Tarnished Silver
Fortunately, removing tarnish from silver is usually straightforward:
- Polishing Cloth: A simple silver polishing cloth can often remove light tarnish.
- Silver Polish: For heavier tarnish, a commercial silver polish may be necessary. Follow the product's instructions carefully.
- Homemade Solutions: Some people use homemade solutions, like baking soda and aluminum foil, to remove tarnish. Exercise caution when using these methods, as they can sometimes be abrasive.
In conclusion, the darkening of silver is a natural process caused by its reaction with sulfur. Understanding the factors that contribute to tarnishing can help you take steps to prevent or slow it down.
