Fake silver can turn black over time. When it comes to fake silver, it is often made with cheap base metals such as copper, nickel, or zinc. These metals are more prone to reacting with elements in the air, such as sulfur, which can cause tarnishing and discoloration.
Tarnishing occurs when the surface of silver reacts with sulfur-containing substances, like hydrogen sulfide, that are present in the environment. This reaction forms a layer of silver sulfide on the surface of the metal, which appears as a black or dark gray tarnish.
In the case of fake silver, the base metals used in its composition are more likely to react with sulfur compounds, leading to a faster and more noticeable tarnishing process compared to real sterling silver. So, if you notice that your silver jewelry or items have turned black, it could be an indication that they are not made of genuine silver.
It’s important to note that not all blackened silver necessarily means it is fake. Genuine sterling silver can also tarnish over time, especially if it’s exposed to air, moisture, or certain chemicals. However, the tarnish on real silver is usually a soft gray or yellowish color, rather than a deep black.
To determine if your silver is fake or real, you can also consider other factors. Genuine silver should have certain hallmarks or stamps indicating its purity, such as “925” or “Sterling.” These marks indicate that the silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other metals. If your silver lacks these marks or has a suspiciously low price, it’s more likely to be fake.
In my personal experience, I once purchased a silver necklace from a street vendor at a very low price. At first, it looked shiny and beautiful, but after a few weeks of wearing it, I noticed that it started to turn black. Upon closer inspection and some research, I realized that it was not genuine silver. The base metal underneath the thin silver plating had reacted with the air and caused the black tarnish. It was a lesson learned about the importance of buying silver from reputable sources.
Fake silver can indeed turn black over time due to the base metals used in its composition reacting with sulfur compounds in the environment. Genuine sterling silver can also tarnish, but the tarnish is usually a lighter gray or yellowish color. To determine if your silver is fake or real, look for hallmarks, consider the price and source of the item, and be cautious of suspiciously low-priced silver.