Why does silver darken and how to clean it from blackness

Silverware has always been in vogue. Chains were especially popular with the guys. But over time, the product becomes covered with a black coating. To minimize this problem in the future, you need to understand the causes. Why does silver turn black, especially on the human body? How and how to cleanse silver from blackness at home?

Reasons why silver darkens

There are many versions of what the alloy can darken. Popular beliefs say that blackened silver is bad news. Someone could damage or jinx a person. And as soon as the damage loses its strength, its natural color will return. The story tells about the secret power of this alloy, which protects against troubles and takes the whole blow upon itself. Medicine, in turn, says that the reason lies in human health, and darkening through certain chemical processes interacting with bacteria. Science sees the reason for the presence of sulfur, from which silver comes into contact. Let's take a closer look at what are the real reasons that silver darkens.

Superstition

If the cross on the neck has darkened, then someone has inflicted damage or a curse. The stronger the darkening, the more powerful the spells. It is necessary to monitor the color of the decoration, as soon as it becomes natural, everything fell into place and the damage was removed. According to legend, you can feel how life is losing color, everything becomes gray and mundane. For no reason, someone's presence is felt. Silver items take the blow and protect their owner, therefore they turn black. Under such circumstances, the question of how to bleach silver is not even close.

Before all that has been said, it should be added that a person who experiences similar symptoms is most likely depressed. Silver is useless here, just a coincidence. Metal does not care who has what opinion about its owner. And all the stories in which for some reason our people still believe are from paganism. People still cannot refuse. And this despite the fact that everyone goes to church and considers themselves Christians. It's a shame when belief in prejudice is stronger than in God.

Health problems

This reason can be attributed to folk knowledge. The bottom line is that darkened silver indicates poor health. Such a symptom was noticed a very long time ago, and part of the disease may indeed be related. The bottom line is that the body constantly secretes sweat. In winter, it is practically invisible, and in summer there is a lot of it. During illness, sweating increases significantly, especially when the temperature rises. Sweat contains particles of sulfur, which, when in contact with silver, cause blackening. This is not mysticism, but a common chemical process.

One might think, if sweat is constantly released, why did the silver cross turn black on the body precisely during the illness? The reason is that there is profuse sweating during this period. On other days, it also affects, but more slowly, so the darkening comes gradually. Does this mean that the organism is to blame? No, sulfur and oxygen are more likely to blame.

The science

In fact, the reasons for the darkening of silver are understandable and do not contain any mysticism. When exposed to oxygen, the metal enters into a chemical reaction with sulfur-containing compounds. This process is also called oxidation. The color of the surface changes due to the dark layer of silver sulfide formed as a result of the reactions.

Products can darken not only on humans. Hydrogen sulfide is often contained in the air itself. But the most common reason is precisely interaction with sweat.

What enhances silver oxidation

Oxidation can occur gradually, at first it is not even noticeable. But at the same time, there are factors that can speed up the process at times. Knowing them, you can avoid problems and keep the presentable look of the jewelry.

Low sample and impurities

Premature darkening can occur due to the discrepancy between the silver sample. In other words, it is a defective alloy. Each sample has a specific recipe according to which it is made. If some metal in the alloy is more than what it should be, then the silver is not of high quality.

Another reason is the low sample. Jewelry is almost always made of 925 sterling silver. Therefore, they are less prone to blackening. Cutlery 875, they have more copper and, accordingly, the tendency to discoloration is increased.

It is worth adding to the protection of manufacturers, silver without impurities will not have strength and easily loses its shape. Therefore, it is necessary to make an alloy from different metals.

High air humidity

You can see that silver darkens faster when it rains, showers, or goes to the pool or sauna. This is due to the fact that the body sweats, and the sweat itself evaporates much more slowly. There is enough humidity in the air. Therefore, the number of sirs on the body is growing, to which the pectoral cross and other silver items quickly react.

It should be added that in addition to black, the alloy can acquire a light color. This is due to the nitrates present in the skin. Mainly, the process of destruction of silver sulfide takes place at low humidity.

How and what to clean?

The good news is that you can clean the blackness of silver at home. But it is better not to do this with expensive products and precious stones. In this case, it is better to bring it to a good jewelry shop.

Cleaning products

Silver also comes in different types. The method of cleaning is chosen depending on them. In jewelry stores they provide a large selection of various preparations for cleaning all popular types of precious metals. There you can also consult and buy suitable products. The only caveat, do not try to clean the blackened silver, entrust it to the master. It can quickly lose its appearance through a shabby surface. Chances are, you have matte silver and must be cleaned carefully as the surface could be damaged.

Folk recipes

Tooth powder and paste are highly effective. See what is in your home. Be very careful with the powder so as not to scratch the surface. It is applied in a small amount to a soft, damp cloth and gently cleaned. Attention, toothpaste is corrosive to the soft surface of silver, so be careful.

Liquid ammonia will quickly get rid of blackness. To do this, the object must be completely lowered inward for a short time, removed and wiped with a damp cloth.

Another way is as follows, add 2 tablespoons of ammonia per liter of water. You can add a little hydrogen peroxide or soap to enhance it. Immerse the item for 10-20 minutes, after the procedure it will be much easier to clean.

If you just need to wash off black plaque, you can make a soap solution. To obtain it, the soap shavings are dissolved in warm water. You can even immerse silver overnight.

How to prevent darkening of silver

It is impossible to get rid of black bloom from silver forever. This is its nature. Adhering to the recommendations, you can postpone this moment as much as possible.

Silver alloy is afraid of moisture, so it must be protected from it. Shoot before going to the shower, steam room, bath, or gym. Jewelry is not meant to be worn every day, keep this in mind and only wear it on certain occasions. Do not get carried away with cleaning, which is not great.

After cleaning the silver, leave it in the fresh air for at least 1-2 days. This time is enough for the formation of a protective oxide film, which will prevent the plaque from returning quickly. You can also use rhodium plating, which retains the mirror shine and natural color of the product for a long time. It is not uncommon for the surface to be coated with a protective varnish; in such conditions, there is no need to bleach the silver.