What is tarnish?
Q: What is tarnish?
A: Tarnish is a layer of corrosion similar to rust.
Q: What causes tarnish?
A: Tarnish is caused by oxidisation - when semi-reactive metals such as copper, brass, silver, aluminum meet chemicals in the air.
Q: How does tarnish affect metal?
A: Tarnish will cause the metal to darken or go dull by making a thin film on the metal.
Q: What chemical reaction causes tarnish?
A: Tarnish is caused by a chemical reaction between a metal and a non-metal (or compound), usually oxygen or sulphur dioxide.
Q: Which types of metals are prone to tarnishing?
A: Semi-reactive metals such as copper, brass, silver, and aluminum are prone to tarnishing.
Q: Can tarnish be prevented?
A: Tarnish can be prevented by keeping the metal away from chemicals in the air, by storing it in a dry and clean environment, or by regularly cleaning it.
Q: Is tarnish harmful to metal?
A: Tarnish itself is not necessarily harmful to metal, but it can eventually lead to corrosion if left unchecked.
