Will Gold Turn Black? 4 Reasons Why It Turns + Preventing Tips

Published: 26 Jan 2025

Scientific studies have proved that pure gold ( 24k) never ever turns black. If any gold jewelry turns black or green, this means it’s not pure gold, but it’s any mixture or alloy of pure gold.

Here, I shared an in-depth guide on “Does gold turn black?” If yes, then why and how to prevent it? So let’s dive into the deep guide without wasting time.

Table of Content

Does Gold Turn Black? But What's the reason?
How to Prevent Gold from Turning Black or Green?
Early Signs When Your Gold Starts Tarnishing or Turning Black
Top Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Gold Jewelry in Top-Notch Condition.
What to Do If My Gold Turns Black Again and Again.
So My Champs.
Have More Queries?

Does Gold Turn Black? But What’s the reason?

Yes guys, as I previously shared, gold can turn black and even green. Here are the main reasons why gold turns black or green.

Impurity of Gold.

The impurity of gold is the only reason why gold turns black. However, reasons are multiple, but they are secondary. Pure gold is soft, so it’s not suitable for jewelry.

Goldsmiths and jewelers mix pure gold with other materials like copper, silver, or nickel to make it stronger for jewelry.

These are the only metals that are more reactive and can easily oxidize when exposed to air, moisture, or chemicals, leading to black tarnish or discoloration.

The lower the karat of gold (14k or 18k), the more impurities it contains, making it more prone to these reactions.

Oxidation and Tarnish

Guys, first of remember, the pure gold itself doesn’t oxidize, but the metals mixed with it, like copper and silver, can.

When these metals come into contact with oxygen, moisture, or salts, they form oxides that appear as black or dark tarnish on your gold jewelry.

This is especially common with lower-karat gold, such as 14k or 18k, which contains a higher percentage of reactive metals.

Chemical Reactions with Skin and Cosmetics

Your skin’s natural oils, sweat, and pH levels can react with the metals in gold alloys. Sweat contains salts and lactic acid, which can corrode metals like copper, creating black residues on your jewelry or skin.

Cosmetics like lotions and perfumes can also contribute. They contain alcohols, acids, and oils that trap dirt or moisture, accelerating the tarnishing process.

Perfumes in particular, often include ethanol, which breaks down protective layers on the jewelry surface.

Sulfur and Atmospheric Conditions

Sulfur is a major cause of gold tarnishing. It’s present in polluted air, industrial areas, and even certain foods.

Sulfur reacts with metals in gold alloys, like silver and copper, forming sulfides that appear as black or green discoloration. Humid environments worsen this process by speeding up the chemical reactions.

How to Prevent Gold from Turning Black or Green?

Keeping gold jewelry from turning black requires proper care and awareness of what causes tarnishing. Here’s how you can prevent it:

Opt for Higher-Karat Gold: Use 18k or 22k gold jewelry, which contains less reactive metals like copper or silver. Higher-karat gold is less likely to tarnish.
Avoid contact with Sweat: Sweat contains salts and acids that react with metals in gold alloys. Remove jewelry during workouts or hot weather to avoid tarnishing.
Stay Away from Harsh Chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, and cleaning agents often contain alcohols, acids, or chlorine, which cause tarnishing. Apply these products before wearing your jewelry and let them dry completely.
Regular Cleaning: Clean your gold pieces using mild soap and water. A soft cloth or brush helps remove dirt and oils, preventing blackening over time.
Proper Storage: Store gold jewelry in a cool, dry place, preferably in a soft pouch or separate compartment. Avoid storing it with other metals that could cause reactions.
Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater: Chlorine in pools and salt in seawater can discolor gold alloys. Always remove jewelry before swimming to protect it from these harmful chemicals.

Early Signs When Your Gold Starts Tarnishing or Turning Black

When gold jewelry starts tarnishing or turning black, it shows various signs, and some of the most common are,

Dullness or Loss of Shine: if your gold jewelry looks like it lost its natural, this means your jewelry started Tarnishing. Jewelry’s surface may look slightly cloudy or less reflective.
Faint Dark Spots: Small black or dark gray spots may start to appear, especially in areas exposed to sweat, moisture, or friction. These spots typically develop on the inner side of rings, the back of earrings, or the underside of bracelets and necklaces.
Discoloration on Skin: If you notice black marks or smudges on your skin after wearing gold jewelry, it’s a sign that the metals in the gold alloy are reacting with sweat, oils, or other substances.
Residue Build-Up: A thin layer of black or greenish residue may begin forming on your jewelry that hasn’t been cleaned in a while. This can occur due to trapped dirt, oils, or chemical reactions with perfumes or lotions.
Reaction to Cleaning Products: If gold jewelry changes color after being exposed to cleaning agents or household chemicals, it’s a sign that the metals in the jewelry are reacting to harsh substances like chlorine or ammonia.

So guys, if you see these signs in your gold jewelry, this means now your gold requires instant cleaning and care steps.

Here are some cleaning tips that you should follow to keep your gold jewelry safe and in top-notch condition.

Top Cleaning Tips to Keep Your Gold Jewelry in Top-Notch Condition.

Follow these steps, I promise your jewelry will shine again.

First of all, Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a small bowl. Be sure to use warm, not hot, water to avoid damage, especially if your jewelry has gemstones.
In the second step, soak your gold jewelry in the solution and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will help loosen any dirt, oils, or residue stuck on the surface.
Now In the third step, gently scrub the jewelry. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a jewelry cleaning brush to clean the surface and any intricate details. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, especially on delicate pieces.
In the fourth step, rinse the jewelry thoroughly. Run lukewarm water over the piece to wash away the soap and loosened debris. Make sure to plug the sink or use a strainer to prevent losing small items.
And in the last step, dry the jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Pat the piece gently to remove all moisture. Avoid using paper towels or tissues, as they can scratch the surface of the gold.

What to Do If My Gold Turns Black Again and Again.

Guys, if your jewelry turns black or green again and again, this means your jewelry contains a layer that has been worn off.

First of all, let me know which jewelry you have.

White gold
Gold-plated
Gold-filled
Or Gold Vermeil?

If you have white gold, and you feel it’s been green, don’t worry your gold’s rhodium plate has worn off. Just go to your nearby jeweler and tell him to re-plate it again with rhodium, and your jewelry will shine again.
If you use gold-plated or gold-vermeil, you still have a solution: go to a jeweler and tell him to re-plate it with a thin layer of gold, and your gold-plated or gold-vermeil jewelry will shine again.
On the other hand, if you have gold-filled jewelry, then recoating it with the layer may be more expensive; I’d recommend new ones instead of re-coating it.

Note
if you are using any other gold jewelry and facing some issues, please comment your issue below in the comment section, I will help you as soon as possible.

So My Champs.

It’s time to say goodbye. In this article, we have covered “Does gold turn black?” in detail.

We’ve explored the reasons behind gold turning black, such as impurities in gold alloys, oxidation, and reactions with sweat, cosmetics, and environmental factors.

I have also shared tips for preventing tarnishing and cleaning and maintaining your gold jewelry. By following these insights, you can protect your precious gold pieces and keep them shining for years.

If you have any questions or need more tips, please let me know in the comment section below, and I will reply to you as soon as possible.

Have More Queries?

Let’s see these common questions that people often ask related to this topic.

Will gold turn green?

Pure gold (24k) doesn’t turn green, but lower-karat gold can. This happens because metals like copper or nickel in the alloy react with moisture or acids, forming green tarnish. Green stains are more common in cheap gold-plated jewelry or low-purity pieces.

Why does gold turn black on my skin?

Gold turning black on your skin is often due to a reaction between the metals in the gold alloy and your sweat, oils, or cosmetics. Sweat contains salts and acids that corrode metals like copper or nickel, creating dark stains. Skin pH levels also play a role, making some people more prone to this reaction.

Does 14k gold turn black when you burn it?

Yes, 14k gold can turn black when burned because it contains metals like copper or nickel, which react to heat and oxygen. The black layer is caused by oxidation and can usually be cleaned off. However, frequent exposure to heat can weaken the structure of the jewelry.

How can I stop my gold from turning black?

To prevent your gold from turning black, avoid exposure to sweat, perfumes, lotions, and harsh chemicals. Clean your jewelry regularly with mild soap and water, and store it in a dry place. Using higher-karat gold can also reduce the risk of tarnishing.

Why does my gold look dull instead of shiny?

Dullness is an early sign of tarnishing caused by dirt, oils, or mild oxidation. Regular cleaning can restore the shine. Using a soft polishing cloth can also help maintain the luster of your jewelry.

Can cleaning products damage gold jewelry?

Yes, cleaning products like bleach, ammonia, or harsh detergents can damage gold jewelry. They can strip the gold’s surface or cause discoloration over time. Always remove your jewelry before using household cleaners.

Does gold tarnish faster in humid environments?

Yes, humidity speeds up tarnishing because it provides moisture for oxidation. Gold alloys are especially vulnerable in tropical or coastal areas. Proper storage with silica gel packs can help reduce tarnishing in such conditions.

How can I clean my blackened gold jewelry?

You can clean blackened gold by soaking it in a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush, rinse it with lukewarm water, and dry it with a lint-free cloth. For stubborn tarnish, consider getting it professionally cleaned.