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The discolouration is due to the corrosion of metals from which the jewelry is made. Pure gold, 24K, itself will not corrode but is too soft for many kinds of jewelry and therefore is alloyed with proportions of base metals, usually silver or copper to make it harder. The composition of 14 karat gold is 14/24 pure gold and 10/24 alloys. Only the base metal used for alloying corrodes, leaving the gold untouched. The chemical compounds of silver and copper which are formed turn very dark even when slightly corroded.This corrosion occurs under moist or wet conditions.

Adding to the answer below,it is not only that but also use of Perfumes for instance.

Anything that has a fragrance has a chemical.Also high acidity in sweat might me the cause.

Or just plain bad quality gold that has been mixed with other metals

Gold starts losing its shine after time.

Its fake

Normally only fake gold will tarnish skin.

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14y ago
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15y ago

It doesn't. If a metal really is gold, your skin won't tarnish it. Gold is called a noble metal because it is largely inert. Oils and sweat don't affect it. Not even the salt water in your sweat will have an impact. You've seen the gold coins they've brought up from wrecks on the sea bottom that have been there hundreds of years. They're good as new. The salt water portion of your sweat is arguably the most "corrosive" substance your skin releases under normal circumstances. Gold shrugs this off easily.

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Q: Why causes gold jewelry to tarnish on skin?
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Is stainless steel jewelry real?

Yes, stainless steel jewelry is real. Stainless steel is a durable and popular metal alloy commonly used in jewelry making. It is composed of iron, carbon, and various other elements such as chromium and nickel. Stainless steel jewelry offers several advantages, including resistance to tarnish, corrosion, and discoloration. It is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. While stainless steel may not be as valuable or precious as precious metals like gold or silver, it is still considered real jewelry and is a popular choice for its durability and affordability.


How do you fix acidic skin that damages jewelry?

Yes! It will often turn yur skin a greeny colour or black where the jewelry has been.


How do you tell if something is real white gold?

buy a nitric acid test kit; They run about $20-$30 on E-bay. Rub the metal onto the stone firmly rub the metal onto the stone firmly, drip some nitric acid on the rubbing on the stone- if the rubbing stays strong, your piece is gold. If it turns orange your piece is likely a lower karat. If the rubbing; Disappears or turns green- your piece is fake.


How do UV rays harm us?

UVA (which causes tanning) also causes skin aging, eventually giving skin a tough leather like texture. UVB (which causes burning) also causes skin cancer, frequently melanoma an aggressive cancer that sometimes metastasizes throughout the body.


What are the causes and effects of the ozone depletion?

Ozone depletion causes skin cancer. It also causes eye cataract.

Related questions

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 do you clean tarnish off of gold over sliver earrings?

Gold jewelry doesn't actually tarnish, but sometimes it can appear that way because of the other metals mixed in with it. According to ColorSpark Studio, because gold is soft, it is often mixed with other metals to become an alloy; "the silver and copper in the alloy may react to the oxygen, sulphur and moisture in the air and eventually turn the gold jewelry dark." Gold jewelry also can get a dirty appearance from oils or lotions from your skin. To clean your gold jewelry, all you will need is some common household items; no need for expensive jewelry cleaners.


What causes silver coins to tarnish?

Tarnish occurs when silver reacts with oxygen or hydrogen sulfide in the air, moisture, skin oil from being handled, and other contaminants.


What's the proper method for cleaning gold jewelry?

The best way to clean any jewelry is to use cleaners specifically made for jewelry. You can purchase the cleaner at any jeweler or some mass merchants such as walmart and follow the directions. Gold jewelry will not tarnish nor will it alter in appearance. Therefore you mainly have to cleanse it of soils that actually come off your own skin, oils in particular. All you really need is a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Here's a complete article on the topic http://www.ehow.com/how_172253_clean-gold-jewelry.html.


Why is my sterling silver and gold jewelry both turning my skin black when I rub it on my skin?

http://www.helium.com/items/597008-why-do-some-jewelry-metals-turn-skin-green


Does rhodium dipped silver jewelry tarnish?

rhodium can withstand natural elements without tarnishing but unfortunately it will tarnish due to oils on your skin and chemicals you work with ect..but you can get them replated which usually need to be done every 12-18 months


Why gold use make jewelry?

Gold is easy to work and doesn't react with other substances, such as skin and sweat.


Will gold overlay turn your finger green?

Jewelry with a gold overlay can possibly turn your skin green. This is determined by if you have a skin allergy to the metal under the overlay.


How do you stop your gold jewelry turning your skin black?

If it is low carat gold (10 or so), the alloy metals might react to your skin. Anything but 24k will have some alloy in it, and jewelry is rarely made of 24k, since it is so soft. If you are highly sensitive to the alloys, even a small amount might cause a reaction. Furthermore, you sure your jewelry is really solid gold, and not plated? Plated jewelry will often react with the skin as you have described.


Why does cheap jewelry tur your skin green?

because it is made of a cheaper metal such as copper or brass (which is mainly copper anyway) and copper reacts with acid in your sweat and tarnishes. the green stain on your skin is that tarnish rubbing off on it.


Why is it better to make jewelry out of gold then zinc?

Gold is an ideal metal in jewelry because it is highly unreactive which means it doesn't react with anything unless under certain conditions. Because it is unreactive, it does not react with things like water. When certain metals are mixed with water, they rust. Since gold is unreactive it will not rust or tarnish which makes it an ideal metal for jewelry


If you have low iron will gold jewelry cause black marks your skin?

No, gold is chemically inert and would not react with skin. Your iron status can only be confirmed accurately by a blood test.