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What causes silverware to tarnish?

Updated: 10/24/2023
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14y ago

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The most common cause of tarnish to silverware (or any silver for that matter) would be sulfide. Any material that contains sulfide will most likely be the cause of your silverware tarnish. There are even foods that contain sulfide that can be the cause of tarnish. Climate and high humidity are also causes of silverware tarnish. There could be many causes as sulfide is found in many materials, but these would be the most common causes. Some are slow to tarnish, and others could accelerate the process.

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14y ago
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8mo ago

Silverware tarnishes when it comes into contact with substances such as sulfur, oxygen, and moisture. These substances can react with the silver in the silverware, causing it to form a tarnished layer. Exposure to air, certain foods, and cleaning chemicals can also contribute to the tarnishing of silverware.

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Related questions

How do you use tarnish in a sentence?

The silverware had tarnish on it, so she polished it to restore its shine.


What causes silverware to rust?

Silverware can rust when exposed to moisture for an extended period of time. Acids or salt from food residue left on the silverware can also contribute to rusting. Using low-quality stainless steel or improper storage conditions can also lead to rusting.


Is there green on old sterling silver silverware?

Green is an extreme form of tarnish and corosion. Is a devaluatiin for sure


What is the name of silver when corroded?

silver oxide.add Most of the black 'patina' on silverware is the sulphide of silver. But, Sterling silver has about 7.5% of copper added to improve the durability of the product, and this causes a CuO tarnish which is also black.


Is silver tarnish toxic?

Tarnish itself is not toxic, as it is simply a chemical reaction that occurs on the surface of silver. However, if silverware or objects with tarnish are used for eating or drinking, the tarnish may contain small amounts of compounds that could be harmful if ingested in large quantities. It is generally recommended to clean tarnished silver before use to avoid any potential risk.


What are the word equation for the reaction that causes potassium to tarnish?

The word equation for the reaction that causes potassium to tarnish is: potassium (K) + oxygen (O2) → potassium oxide (K2O).


Why causes gold jewelry to tarnish on skin corrosion?

Well, the gold it is tarnish natural; but is it's more tarnish if it's mix with silver or brance or lead or cooper.


How does pewter age?

The air causes it to tarnish, it is called patina


Why do some lotions and cosmetics tarnish silver on contact?

Because it contains Sulfur and sulfur reacts with the silver forming hydrogen sulfide, which causes the tarnish


Is tarnishing of silverware physical or chemical change?

Tarnishing of silverware is a chemical change. It occurs when the silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air to form silver sulfide, which causes the silverware to darken and lose its luster.


Does pure silver tarnish?

Yes, pure silver can tarnish when exposed to air and moisture. Tarnishing is a natural oxidation process that causes a dull coating to form on the surface of the silver.


What are the word equation for the reaction that causes sodium to tarnish?

The reaction that causes sodium to tarnish is with oxygen in the air: 2Na (sodium) + O2 (oxygen) → 2Na2O (sodium oxide)