The query of whether or not real silver undergoes a coloration change to inexperienced is ceaselessly raised. Pure silver, in its elemental state, is extremely immune to corrosion. Nevertheless, the silver generally utilized in jewellery and different gadgets is usually an alloy, typically combined with copper. It’s the presence of those different metals inside the alloy that may, underneath particular circumstances, contribute to floor discoloration.
Tarnishing is a widely known attribute of silver alloys. This course of normally manifests as a darkening or blackening of the floor attributable to a response with sulfur-containing compounds within the surroundings. Whereas black tarnish is most typical, the presence of moisture and chlorides can, in some cases, result in the formation of copper chloride. Copper chloride presents as a greenish deposit on the floor of the steel. This greenish hue isn’t indicative of the silver itself altering coloration, however reasonably the corrosion of the copper element inside the alloy.