Why did the silver cross go black?

Silver is a metal that has long been attributed to magical, almost magical properties. Almost everyone has silverware. These are pendants, rings, chains and crosses. Sometimes owners of crosses complain that the product has faded and darkened. We'll figure out why the silver cross went black and what can be done about it.

to content ↑

Popular signs of

It has long been believed that the darkening of the silver cross is a sign that a person has fallen victim to a bad eye. To remove the evil eye, advised to put before the faces of the saints three candles in three different churches, and then replace the cross on the other.

In the East, it was believed that if the silver decorations darken, then they saved the owner from serious trouble. That's why it was customary to wear silver items on long trips.

to the contents ↑

If the cross is black silver: what the science says

The scientific explanation of this problem is quite logical. Silver is metal, and it is oxidized in air.

Device of the human body

One of the reasons for the oxidation of the metal is its contact with human skin, on which there are many sebaceous glands. Rapid oxidation is facilitated by increased air humidity, and frequent contact with water.

Silver sample

Jewelry silver is an alloy of silver and copper. The less copper contains the product, the oxidation takes place more slowly, because it is copper that comes into contact with sulfur that interacts with it, and as a result, a black coating appears.

Important! Sulfur is found in water and cosmetics. It also enters into the composition of human sweat.

However, the answer to the question why the silver cross was blackened, not only in this.

Illnesses or health peculiarities of

Sometimes darkening of the silver cross may be a sign of the disease:

• If the silver is covered with a black touch from increased sweating, it can indicate hormonal disorders in the body, in particular, on the disease of the thyroid or pancreas, adrenal glands. Excessive sweating can be a symptom of kidney and liver disease.
• The black silver cross also quickly turns black in pregnant women. This is due to hormonal changes in the body. Black coating appears very quickly - in a few days.

Important! Sometimes it is possible to observe the phenomenon that the cross turned black only on one side, for example, with the outside. This is because the outer part of the product is more embossed and ribbed, and, therefore, oxidizes more strongly.

to the contents ↑

How not to admit darkening of a cross from silver?

To make the cross look beautiful for as long as possible, it is necessary to observe a number of simple rules: remove it before taking water procedures or going to the pool, to the gym, and before going to the sea.

There are several ways to prevent darkening of jewelry silver:

• Boiling the product in sulfuric or hydrochloric acid - the so-called "white" boiling.
• Galvanization - covering the cross with a layer of pure silver. This method is used for silvering cutlery.
• Rhodium plating - the covering of a silver product with white rhodium. At the same time, not only does the resistance to oxidation increase, but also the wear resistance of the product.

Important! The method of birth also has disadvantages: it is not feasible in all workshops. In addition, there is a risk that the metal will acquire a bluish tinge when soldering.

to the contents ↑

If the silver cross is black: ways to clean the darkened silver

If the silver product is covered with an ugly coating of black color, it can be cleaned. This procedure does not require the use of expensive funds. Judge for yourself:

• If the cross is black, soak it for half an hour in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ethyl alcohol, and then wipe with a soft cloth.
• Cleaning in foil. The method is old, tested and very effective. Wrap the silver product in foil, dip it into water and bring to a boil. When the water begins to boil, add a teaspoon of soda. Boil the cross for five minutes. He'll be just as good as new.
• Take one tablespoon of baking soda, add a little water to it, stir until it is mushy. Start rubbing the gruel into the metal. Just a few moments, and the cross will shine with purity.
• Mix in equal parts toothpaste, ammonia and baking soda. Apply the mixture on a cross, rub it with your finger. Silver will again shine.
• The famous Coca-Cola drink, to put it mildly, is not very useful. But for cleaning tarnished silver, it is quite suitable. Fill the cross with Coca-Cola and leave it overnight. In a few hours silver will regain its lost luster.
• Boil the silver cross in an aqueous solution of citric acid - up to 20 minutes.

In addition to folk remedies, you can use a special liquid for jewelry cleaning:

• If the silver cross is black, immerse the silver for a few minutes into the liquid and the black coating will disappear completely.
• If the plaque is not black, but a greenish shade. This indicates that the product contains a large percentage of copper. Remove Trilon from the plaque B.

Never abuse mechanical cleaning products. Minor scratches on the surface lead to rapid oxidation, and the situation will only worsen.