# Why silver turns black and how to prevent it

> Silver turns black from sulfur in the air and on skin (silver sulfide). How to prevent it with good storage and regular wear, and how to clean it.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/why-does-silver-turn-black/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-10-01
- Updated: 2026-10-04
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/por-que-se-pone-negra-la-plata/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Silver tarnish is neither a defect nor a sign that it is fake: it is a normal chemical reaction in genuine silver.

## What it is

Silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air, moisture, some foods (egg, onion), wool, rubber and certain cosmetics. It forms a layer of silver sulfide, dark gray to black.

## How to prevent it

- Wear it: contact with skin keeps it bright.
- Store it dry and apart, in closed bags with anti-tarnish strips.
- Take it off before using perfume, lotion and cleaning products.
- Always dry it after it gets wet.

## How to remove it

With a polishing cloth or with the baking soda and aluminum foil method in the guide to [cleaning silver](https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-clean-silver-jewelry/).

## Silver that tarnishes faster than usual

It depends on the alloy and the climate. Sterling silver (925) contains copper, which darkens sooner. A rhodium plating delays tarnish a lot.

## See also

- [How to clean silver jewelry and remove tarnish](https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-clean-silver-jewelry/)
- [How to store jewelry so it does not get damaged](https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-store-jewelry/)
- [Jewelry that does not tarnish or stain: which materials to choose](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-that-does-not-tarnish/)