Sterling silver, while valued for its luster and affordability, is not pure silver. It’s an alloy, typically composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% of another metal, often copper. Discoloration of the skin, specifically a greenish hue, sometimes occurs when individuals wear sterling silver jewelry. This phenomenon arises not from the silver itself, but primarily from the copper content within the alloy reacting with substances on the skin.
The propensity for this reaction depends on individual body chemistry. Factors such as perspiration, which contains salts and acids, and the presence of lotions, cosmetics, or other chemicals on the skin, can accelerate the corrosion of the copper. The resulting copper salts are then absorbed by the skin, leading to the visible greenish tint. This is generally harmless, although the discoloration may be aesthetically undesirable. Historically, understanding this reaction has led to the development of protective coatings for jewelry and informed choices in alloy composition for certain applications.
