Fake gold jewelry turns green primarily due to the reaction between cheaper metals within the alloy and your skin. Here's a detailed breakdown:
The Science Behind the Green
The green discoloration you often see with fake gold, or fashion jewelry, isn't actually a result of the "gold" itself. It's because:
- Base Metals: Fake gold, unlike real gold jewelry, is often made from inexpensive metals. Common examples include:
- Copper
- Nickel
- Zinc
- Brass
- Reaction with Skin: When these base metals come into contact with your skin, they react with:
- Oils: Natural oils produced by your skin.
- Sweat: Perspiration contains salts and acids that can corrode metals.
- Lotions and Other Products: Other skin care products or perfumes can also cause chemical reactions.
How the Green Appears
The combination of base metals and these external factors causes the metal to corrode or oxidize. This process results in a green-colored compound, often copper carbonate. According to the provided reference, "When cheaper metals are used, or copper, they react with the skin's oils, sweat, and other products you may have on, causing the green."
Why Real Gold Doesn't Turn Green
Real gold is a highly inert metal, meaning it does not readily react with other substances. Therefore, genuine gold jewelry is very unlikely to turn green. It is the other metals included in cheap jewelry that are the main culprits.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Fake Gold | Real Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Main Metal | Cheaper metals (copper, nickel) | Gold |
| Reaction | Reacts with skin oils, sweat, etc. | Rarely reacts with skin |
| Discoloration | Likely to turn green | Unlikely to discolor |
Practical Insights
-
Avoiding the Green: To minimize the green discoloration:
- Avoid wearing fake gold during exercise or in humid conditions.
- Remove jewelry before applying lotions or perfumes.
- Clean your jewelry regularly with a soft cloth.
- Consider applying a thin coat of clear nail polish to the inside of the jewelry (though this needs reapplication).
-
Choose Jewelry Wisely: If you're prone to skin reactions, opt for higher quality jewelry made with hypoallergenic metals like stainless steel or surgical grade titanium or even invest in real gold pieces.
In summary, the green discoloration of fake gold occurs because of the chemical reactions between base metals, like copper, and skin oils and sweat. The use of less expensive metals in the fashion jewelry is the primary reason for this reaction.
