Jewelry tarnish is actually oxidation that occurs on the outermost layer of metals including copper, brass, aluminum, magnesium, silver and other metals from exposure to chemicals, the air, oils, acids. It is a self limiting phenomenon as it only appears on the outer layers of the metal, unlike rust which can decay and go through many or all layers of some metals over time. Unlike rust, tarnish can actually protect the metal it is on.
Each metal may need a different chemical reaction in order to tarnish. Silver, for instance, needs sulfur dioxide in order to have tarnish form on its surface. Metallic sulfide can also cause tarnish in some metals.
If you do not like the appearance of tarnish on your jewelry you may wish to polish it and put a thin layer of a protective over the item. Storing the jewelry in air-tight containers and/or wrapping in a protective piece of material are other steps that can be taken to prevent the reappearance of tarnish for a longer period of time.
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