January 28, 2022 Why silver turns black on the human body is one of the most popular questions asked by owners of jewelry made from this noble metal endowed with healing properties. Since ancient times, its matte sheen has been shrouded in mystical legends, and the change in color over time has been associated with countless superstitions. With the development of science, fairy tales and myths faded into the background, but, as it turned out, not everyone even now knows about the physical properties of silver.
In this article we have prepared answers for you, why does silver turn black? From popular beliefs and frightening signs to purely scientific explanations with tips on how to maintain the original shine of your favorite piece of jewelry for as long as possible, even if you wear it every day.
Use of silver in the jewelry industry
The advantage of silver is its ease of processing. It is distinguished by plasticity and softness. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to produce a variety of products and create coatings. Features of the use of precious metal:
- a wide range of silver jewelry: they create rings, bracelets, earrings, chains, church and decorative crosses, the variety of jewelry models is due to the fact that this metal is easy to work with, you can give it a variety of shapes to improve the properties of pure Ag, alloys are added to the composition - additives, increasing hardness, thereby increasing the service life of jewelry;
- impurities and samples: silver is part of many alloys; it is used for various purposes, for example, to change the properties of platinum group metals, gold, to modify the composition to obtain a material of a lighter shade;
- popular standard: jewelry of several groups is most often produced (875, 925 and 960 samples), this means that 1000 g of the alloy contains a significant proportion of Ag (87.5%, 92.5% or 96%), the rest of the volume is the alloy, The fewer additives, the higher the value of jewelry; among the existing ones, 925 sterling items are especially in demand.
Silver popular standard 925
Wedding rings are most often made from the popular standard metal (925), it is distinguished by moderate hardness, but with frequent wear it is necessary to periodically restore the product, since the surface is damaged (an alloy with a low content of ligatures), it is necessary to ensure regular care of the jewelry.
Environment
For people living in areas with a humid climate, especially on the sea coast, blackening of the pectoral cross is common. Hydrogen sulfide quickly oxidizes silver.
In addition, water and air pollution has reached unprecedented levels. Drinking water is disinfected with chlorine, industrial enterprises produce huge amounts of sulfur compounds.
Advice: If, after swimming in a local pond, the pectoral cross turns black or there is a chemical production facility near your house and there is a smell of hydrogen sulfide, then it is better to change your place of residence.
Causes of blackening from the realm of esotericism
If silver has turned black, many tend to see something otherworldly in it. It is believed that such changes can only appear under certain circumstances:
- the owner of the jewelry was damaged or put under the evil eye;
- silver turns black - a sign of impending troubles, failures and illnesses;
- The owner of a piece of jewelry that has darkened has a black aura due to evil deeds committed.
Note: Silver darkens due to changes that occur in the body. This has nothing to do with magic. The priests unanimously declare that such beliefs have one justification - superstition, which is a sin.
Blackened silver jewelry
Scary omens
If a silver chain or other jewelry has darkened, this is associated with various events. Signs from the field of esotericism:
- blackening of a child’s cross is an attempt by evil forces to take possession of his soul;
- the darkening of a man’s jewelry is a consequence of a ritual that condemns him to a single life;
- a change in the color of the jewelry of an unmarried woman or girl means that she is wearing the crown of celibacy;
- silverware darkens - a sign of the appearance of dark spirits in a person’s home.
How to clean a silver chain if it has turned black
There are many ways to clean a blackened silver chain. Plaque can be removed with special pastes. One of the available folk remedies for cleaning this metal is baking soda. You need to dip the jewelry and a piece of foil into a boiling soda solution (one or two tablespoons of soda per 500 ml of water), leave it there for a while, then take it out and see the amazing result - the silver will shine like new.
Esotericists and magicians believe that the noble metal can be cleansed of negative energy with the help of a spell cast on the full moon. To do this, you must first sprinkle salt on it, then rinse it in running water and read the following text at the full moon: “Silver, silver, like the Moon in heaven, pull and pull on your bad thoughts, unkind words, burdens and dashing things that are coming at me.” and it sticks to me. It will come off like black, but it won’t reach me. The word is strong and molding.”
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What to do if the silver chain turns black again? This means that the decoration is again saturated with negative energy. Therefore, do not forget to cleanse it of negativity and perform rituals on the full moon.
Ways to protect silver from blackening
Today, unplated silver items are rarely used. Rhodium-plated and gold-plated products are gaining popularity, as well as jewelry with an oxide film (obtained by oxidation) and rings and bracelets with blackening. All of these varieties last much longer without additional care than uncoated silver.
Radiated is a misnomer for silver jewelry. Radium is a radioactive metal that cannot be used to coat jewelry. This definition appeared when a search query was incorrectly formed on the Internet; the correct option is rhodium-plated silver.
There are other methods to protect jewelry:
- boiling silver in acid: so that the alloy does not react with substances contained in the environment, it is necessary to reduce its amount; in the production of jewelry this is impossible due to the deterioration of the properties of the metal, therefore they use a partial reduction in the proportion of copper, immerse the product in acid (hydrochloric or sulfur), after which the percentage of Cu in the surface layer of the silver alloy becomes smaller, the metal does not darken;
- electroplating: a universal method that involves passing an electric current through a bath of salt solution containing silver, as a result, molecules of one metal are deposited onto another; jewelry and cutlery are often coated in this way, and pure silver is used to create a protective layer;
- rhodium plating: increases the hardness of silver, products better withstand the effects of negative factors, in addition, rhodium prevents the darkening of silver, but this coating requires periodic restoration, because it becomes thinner with wear;
- gilding: performed using the electroplating method, the thickness of the layer that covers silver is 1-2 microns, gilding tends to tarnish, so you need to take care of the product, but there is no need to regularly clean it, the disadvantages of this method include the increased cost of jewelry , as well as gradual thinning of the coating;
- varnish treatment: the method allows you to preserve the whiteness of silver for a long time, but after applying a layer of varnish, the product goes out of use, jewelry cannot be worn, and silverware should not be used for its intended purpose, varnish coating is used to preserve the item for a long period (for example, antiques);
- wax protection: a thin layer of material prevents the penetration of air, this option is used for only one purpose - to provide conditions for long-term storage of products, since oxygen has a destructive effect on the metal (provokes oxidation).
How to clean silver after hydrogen sulfide baths
If you had to take a hydrogen sulfide bath or swim in such a source, then most likely the silver jewelry that you were wearing became very dark. After hydrogen sulfide baths, a sulfur coating may even appear on the product. Of course, the best solution would be to remove jewelry before swimming, but if this does not happen, then here are several ways to clean silver from sulfur:
- Despite the fact that the method with ammonia is the leader in efficiency in cleaning silver, in this case it may be pointless. Boiling in an aluminum pan will be most effective. If you don't have an aluminum pan, add a piece of foil. The rest are water, soda and salt. Decorations are placed in the pan, the water is brought to a boil, soda and salt are sprinkled on top, one teaspoon at a time. You need to boil for a few minutes. The jewelry should lighten in a matter of minutes. This method is also effective for cleaning cupronickel.
- It's also worth trying brushing with whitening toothpaste. The main thing is that there is a whitening component present. Remember that the brush should have soft bristles.
Rules for storing and caring for silver
If silver on the body or during use (cutlery) turns black from time to time, you need to follow simple rules in order to keep things in their original form for a long time:
- For storage, use boxes with velvet lining inside or covers made of the same material;
- To avoid darkening your finger, ear or neck while wearing jewelry, you should remove all jewelry before going to the gym, jogging, or engaging in other vigorous activities;
- Do not apply body cream before putting on a chain, bracelets or rings;
- You cannot wash dishes with your own hands without removing the decorations;
- when yellowing appears, silver items must be cleaned immediately; they must be washed at least once a month in a solution containing soap;
- Jewelry is also removed at night.
Doctors' explanation
Doctors have their own explanation for the blackening of silver. From their point of view, a change in the color of jewelry occurs due to serious health problems. These include:
- improper functioning of the kidneys and liver;
- disrupted hormonal levels;
- disease of the thyroid gland, endocrine system.
Jewelry may turn black during pregnancy or breastfeeding, which is also associated with hormonal changes.
There have been documented cases of silver darkening while taking medications. Some of them lead to changes in the composition of sweat and an increase in the concentration of sulfur in it. To top it all off, the decoration changes color even in the vicinity of sulfur-containing drugs.
Pendants and chains that are in active contact with skin secretions darken the most. Their composition changes during hormonal imbalances, changes in the body, etc. In such cases, the product will darken in a few days.
Silver darkens if the diet frequently contains mayonnaise, onions, salty foods, eggs, and salad sauces.
The color of silver changes when the acid-base balance changes. A sharp lightening may indicate problems in the liver or kidneys, as nitrogen begins to be actively released. It gives silver shine.
We can conclude that if silver jewelry darkens, it is better to undergo a full medical examination. This will help identify serious diseases at an early stage.
Doctors also talk about blackening of products due to severe anxiety and stress, increased physical activity, and increased sweating. Before active sports, it is better to remove all jewelry. You should not take them to the sauna or bathhouse.
Silver really helps maintain health. This white metal has antibacterial and wound-healing effects, which can be easily tested using a silver ion patch.
Silver is administered intravenously for sore joints and inflammation of the respiratory system. Medicines for the treatment of certain diseases of the digestive system also contain silver.
Category: question-answer
Why did the silver chain on the man’s neck turn black?
Expert opinion
Kibantseva Elena Anatolyevna
Allergist-immunologist, “Movement” clinic, Saratov
The chest area contains the most sebaceous glands. This explains why silver on the body most often darkens here. Under the influence of biological fluids (secretion of the sebaceous glands, sweat), the color of silver changes. If such consequences were observed from the very first day, then this is a natural reaction of the body. In this case, the body will always secrete as much secretion and in the same composition. All that the owner of the jewelry can do is clean the chain again or replace the product with another (made of gold, platinum, etc.).
Why did the silver ring on the girl’s finger turn black? What to do?
[expert_bq id=11499]If such changes occur for the first time, after a long period of wear, then you need to look for the cause in order to eliminate it. Then the silver will stop darkening. But for now, the product should be cleaned of blackness. If you do not eliminate the negative factors affecting the color of the ring, it will darken more and more every day.
Why does silver make your skin turn black?
Expert opinion
Andrey Seleznev
Chemist-technologist, Volgograd
Ag in its pure form does not oxidize. But jewelry is not made from such metal. Modern jewelry is made of an alloy, most of which is Ag, the rest is an alloy (most often copper). Due to such additives, the color of silver items changes; if exposed to negative factors, blackness appears.
Popular beliefs
Superstitious people, seeing a blackened piece of jewelry on a person or the skin underneath it, recommend immediately turning to healers. According to popular belief, silver changes color on a cursed person or when there is damage. It is the first to suffer from “black” energy, letting it through and becoming darker. The degree of darkening determines the strength or level of negative energy from the induced damage.
A common belief is that a darkened ring on the hand of an unmarried girl promises a celibate life, a chain speaks of the evil eye, and a cross indicates a strong curse. After eliminating all the negative things, the silver item brightens, that is, all the “dark” energy goes away.
In eastern countries there is a different opinion about tarnished silver items. There I believe that silver is a reliable protector from evil spirits and troubles. If a person’s jewelry has darkened, then he has successfully avoided dangerous troubles. The fact of protection is reflected in the color of the product. It was also believed that silver was a conductor to the world of spirits. On a long journey they always took something silver and looked after it carefully. If a dark coating formed, the route was changed or the trip was abandoned. If the silver turned completely black, then the trouble was over; when it was slightly dark, the danger had not yet passed.
Beliefs also speak of the protective functions of silver from evil spirits, ghosts and werewolves. In ancient times, silver was used to make amulets: an anchor for travelers, crosses on the body, a moon over the bed against nightmares, a bell to cleanse rooms from evil forces, etc.
In ancient Rus' it was believed that silver darkens after an evil and bad deed with serious consequences in the future. This especially applied to crosses and chains. The blackness of the act is reflected in the silver, which is ashamed to shine brightly and attract others to this person. If a person’s chain suddenly darkened for no apparent reason, then he was tested for possession. It was believed that only a possessed person could commit a bad act and hide it in confession. Such a person was not scolded, but helped. To test, we used holy and ordinary water. Holy water was poured into six glasses, and plain water into the seventh. It was believed that if a person constantly chooses a glass of plain water, then the demon takes his hand away, to which holy water is like a burn for people. This method was used quite seriously by the police when investigating cases. According to records and eyewitness accounts, the possessed constantly chose a glass of plain water, while an ordinary person did this alternately.
It is interesting that in Western Europe it was not recommended to remove darkened items, although they lost their protective power. It was believed that a repeated attack could be successful if the decoration that took the blow was removed. They sacrificed aesthetics, but did not part with their trusty silver objects.
Scientists tend to attribute mystical theories about the darkening of jewelry to the fruits of fantasy.
How to clean radiated metal
Argentum coated with rhodium has a very attractive appearance and dazzling shine. In order for a product to last for a long time, it must be stored correctly and properly care for its appearance. We will answer the question of how to clean radiated silver below.
All types of cleaning that are suitable for ordinary silver will not work. The rhodium plating has a thin layer that is very easy to damage or wear off. Therefore, cleaning methods should be gentle and gentle.
As a preventive measure, just warm water will do, under which you need to rinse the jewelry. To add shine, rubbing should only be done with soft cloths, fleece, velvet or suede.
Soap solution. For it you need to prepare soap shavings and dissolve them in warm water. Bathe your jewelry in this solution. You can use a cotton pad.
Glycerol. Wipe the decoration with glycerin and a cotton swab. Then polish with a soft cloth.
