Sterling silver, an alloy composed primarily of silver with a small proportion of different metals, notably copper, is inclined to tarnish, a floor discoloration. This phenomenon is usually mistaken for oxidation, resulting in inquiries about whether or not this valuable metallic alloy corrodes in the identical method as iron-based supplies.
The presence of copper within the alloy makes it extra sturdy and workable than pure silver. Nonetheless, copper additionally reacts with sulfur-containing compounds within the air, forming silver sulfide, the darkish, usually blackish, layer referred to as tarnish. This floor alteration is just not structural degradation in the identical manner that the oxidation of iron causes it to disintegrate. The bottom metallic current within the alloy is just not as reactive and it prevents the disintegration.