The healing and magical properties of silver were known to mankind many centuries ago. And the ancient Egyptians and Chinese healed wounds with shiny plates or swallowed small pieces of silver.

Many are familiar with the ability of this precious material to change its color, covered with a dark coating. Healers and sorcerers believe that this is a signal of the presence of an ailment in the owner or the influence of unclean forces (evil eye, spoilage, curse). But there are scientific explanations for this fact.

Unique properties of silver

Silver is found in nature 20 times more often than gold, and also applies to rare noble metals. Scientists have found that it can "curb" almost 700 types of pathogenic bacteria, viruses (antibiotics can cope with only 7 species at a time). Its ions disinfect water, destroy microbes, helping a person to restore health as soon as possible.

However, the flip side of the coin is its high sensitivity to the environment. In the manufacture of items not used pure silver. Be sure to add copper impurities. It is copper that easily reacts with many elements, it is especially oxidized from sulfur and gives black color to silver.

With high humidity, climate change, or air pollution, the clear lunar luster begins to fade, giving way to a dark coating. Over time, it accumulates, compacts, and soon envelops the entire surface in black.

If a silver item is immersed in sea or mineral water, the same thing will happen. Salts and elements of almost the entire periodic table will do their job, absorbing the elegant luster of the gloomy veil of blackness.

By the way, this metal in black form at all times had its fans among connoisseurs with taste. Therefore, often masters deliberately darkened the brightness of jewelry or household utensils, artificially aging them.

Why does silver blacken on the body?

They say that silver can maintain a special relationship with its owner. If the owner’s nature is rich in bright emotions, then the metal will kindle in him the skills of increased sensitivity and at the same time protect him from negative influence from the outside. And the psyche is callous, not prone to sentiments, will not get along with noble silver, getting from it continuous trouble.

A kind of silver jewelry acts as an indicator, sending open signals to a person about his condition. And they are expressed in the same blackening. When the owner experiences stress, a deep, lasting experience, the products that he wears begin to darken. Why it happens?

Life activity

In the process of life, people sweat. The composition of this liquid includes sulfur. The chemical reaction of the interaction leads to the oxidation of the metal with the formation of stable plaque. Surely some came across similar phenomena at some moments of upheaval. Many sweat glands are concentrated in the neck and décolleté. Therefore, chains, pendants suffer in the first place.

Human afflictions and silver

During periods of illness, the composition of blood and pH on the surface of the body changes. Silver actively reacts to all innovations, changing color. The likelihood of blackness is almost inevitable with diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart problems, endocrine system. Even without being sick, pregnant women or teenagers can notice this behavior of their jewelry. It is explained by hormonal bursts that affect the composition of enzymes secreted by the body.

Sulfur-based medications or intense physical activity lead to the same result. In both cases, the formation of chemical silver oxides occurs.

What should be done so that silver does not blacken?

If you want to keep the beautiful shine of your jewelry for a long time, you should not wear them before going to the bath (sauna), gym or beach. Deciding to do household chores, you should first remove the jewelry. And during an illness it is better to hide valuable gizmos away in a casket. After all, the main thing is to get stronger as soon as possible, and not look smart with poor health.

Such simple rules will help delay the moment of blackening of silver. Although sooner or later this will certainly happen, because the lunar metal is too gentle to the effects of hydrogen sulfide. And the latter is found everywhere: in air, sea water and even on the human body. It’s not necessary to be upset. Products can always be cleaned so that they shine again.