iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Silver tarnishes faster in sulfur-rich conditions than it reacts with oxygen because sulfur molecules can break apart more readily at the metal’s surface. In molecular-dynamics simulations, sulfur atoms then bonded with silver, while oxygen dissociation faced a higher kinetic barrier. The simulations also suggested that silver atoms move toward the surface through the growing sulfide layer, helping tarnish continue.
Why did the researchers compare sulfur with oxygen?
Silver tarnish is commonly associated with sulfur-containing compounds, including hydrogen sulfide (H2S). But oxygen can also react with silver to form silver oxide, so the question was why sulfur exposure more readily produces visible tarnishing than oxygen does. A 2019 study examined that difference at the atomic scale.
The comparison is specifically between S8 molecules and O2 molecules in the reported simulations. Hydrogen sulfide is part of the broader tarnishing context, but it was not the sulfur molecule in that particular comparison.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →How did the simulations explain faster sulfur tarnishing?
Gabriele Saleh and Stefano Sanvito of Trinity College Dublin, collaborating with Nokia Bell Labs, used molecular dynamics simulations with ReaxFF, a reactive force-field method. The method models chemical reactions more efficiently than calculating every reaction at the full quantum-mechanical level. The findings were reported by Chemistry World and published by G. Saleh, C. Xu and S. Sanvito in Angewandte Chemie International Edition in 2019 (DOI: 10.1002/ange.201901630).
#1 Best Overall
- SILVER JEWELRY POLISHING CLOTH: Two-step dry-cleaning system polishes silver to a high luster; Removes tarnish and helps prevent further buildup; Includes one jewelry cleaning cloth for silver jewelry
- EASY TWO-STEP PROCESS: Gently rub jewelry with the lighter Ultrasoft inner cloth to remove dirt and apply anti-tarnish shield; Use the darker Ultrasoft outer cloth to buff and polish to a brilliant, lustrous finish
- POLISH IT PRETTY: Convenient polishing cloths and wipes keep jewelry sparkling like new; Perfect for at-home or on-the-go use; Choose from our Gold Polishing Cloth, Silver Polishing Cloth, and Jewelry Wipes
- FIND THE PERFECT CLEANSER: We've got everything you need to keep rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets gleaming, from dip, gel, foam, or drop Connoisseurs jewelry cleaners to sonic cleaning devices and polishing wipes or cloths
- THE GOLD STANDARD IN JEWELRY CARE: Connoisseurs is the world leader in jewelry care; We believe it's an essential part of every woman's beauty routine, which is why our jewelry cleaning products make it easy to take care of your pieces
Sulfur molecules dissociated more readily
In the simulations, S8 molecules approaching silver rapidly broke apart into individual sulfur atoms. Those atoms could then react with silver to form silver sulfide. O2 molecules dissociated more slowly; their reaction faced a higher kinetic barrier, and oxygen showed less tendency to remain attached to the surface. That difference in reaction speed helps explain why sulfur tarnishes silver more readily even though oxide formation is thermodynamically possible.
Silver movement could help the sulfide layer grow
Once a surface layer forms, further reaction might be expected to slow because atoms would need to move through that layer. Instead, the simulations suggested that silver atoms travel upward through the sulfide toward the sulfur at the surface. This movement could supply new silver for continued silver-sulfide growth.
Rank #2
- Large Pro size jewelry cleaning cloth has an unfolded size of 11 inches X 14 inches.
- EASY TO USE: The multi-layer, double-sided design of the silver polishing cloth easily removes tarnish from your jewelry. Our Polishing cloth that cleans, shines and protects gold (14k and 18K), silver and platinum jewelry, coins and other fine valuables. Our tarnish removing cloth can restores the original brilliance in metals.
- Our cleaning cloth is made with professional cleaning formula. White cloth with cleaning ingredients to polish, untreated gray flannel for a final shine.
- NOTE: Jewelry Polishing can be reused, but not washable.
Saleh described the result as completing the picture of tarnishing at the atomic level. He also called the simulated movement of silver ions toward the surface “utterly surprising.” These are interpretations of a simulation-based mechanism, not direct observations of atoms moving in a consumer object.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What the findings may mean for conservation and electronics
The researchers and a conservator discussed possible relevance to protecting silver artefacts and jewellery, as well as designing silver-based printed-circuit-board finishes for corrosive environments. The proposed mechanism may help inform future protective approaches, but the report does not show that a particular coating, alloy, cleaning product or conservation treatment prevents tarnishing.
Rank #3
- SHINES AND PROTECTS: Cleans, shines, and protects gold (14 k and 18 K), silver, and platinum. Use it in jewelry, coins, and other fine valuables. It's a tarnish remover that restores the original brilliance in metals, prevents new tarnish and gives jewelry a layer of protection. VALUE. It has three uses: silver jewelry cleaner, gold jewelry cleaner, and platinum jewelry cleaner.
- SAFE for your health and the environment. The white section of the Mayflower polishing cloth is treated with non toxic ingredients that keep your health safe and protect the environment. The gray cloth is untreated, and it's used for a final shine.
- TWO-STEP SYSTEM: Easy and simple two-step system. Clean with the white cloth, shine with the gray cloth. NO ADDITIONAL PASTE OR SOLUTION NEEDED. Our proprietary formula is dry-impregnated in the white flannel, effectively removing dirt and grease, even in heavily tarnished items. Both sides of the white flannel contain the active cleaning ingredients.
- PRO SIZE: This extra-large polishing cloth (11 x 14 inches opened) makes cleaning easy, no matter the size of your items. It’s perfect for large pieces like silverware, silver plates, and serving trays. The generous size of this platinum, silver and gold polish cloth provides a comfortable grip, making it easier to clean larger jewelry such as chains, necklaces, gold watches, bracelets, and other oversized pieces. At the same time, the Mayflower jewelry cleaner, offers excellent control for smaller items like rings, coins, and pendants. Its versatile size also makes it a great choice for cleaning antiques and musical instruments.
- MADE IN USA: This is a product made in USA with high quality materials. We guarantee our product with 60 day money back.
Rita Wiesinger, who studies silver tarnishing at the Academy of Fine Arts in Austria, said the findings on reactions involving silver, hydrogen sulfide and oxygen could help in finding preventive measures. That is a view about potential usefulness; the study report does not establish a tested prevention method.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- EFFECTIVE TARNISH REMOVAL – Designed to easily remove tarnish, dirt, and oils from silver and gold jewelry. Restores shine and brilliance without harsh chemicals, keeping your valuables looking like new.
- SOFT & DURABLE MICROFIBER – Made of premium microfiber with professional cleaning ingredients. Ultra-soft, lint-free, and highly effective at absorbing dirt and oils without scratching jewelry, coins, watches, silverware, or musical instruments.
- LARGE SIZE & VALUE PACK – Each cloth measures 10" x 12", larger than standard jewelry cloths for easier handling. Includes 3 packs total, and each pack contains 4 cloths stitched together (12 cloths in total), designed for convenient use, storage, and long-term daily jewelry care.
- MULTI-LAYER DESIGN – Inner treated layer quickly cleans and removes tarnish; outer gray layer polishes and adds shine. Double-sided use makes cleaning simple, effective, and time-saving.
- REUSABLE BUT NOT WASHABLE – The cloth can be reused many times for routine care, but should never be washed, as washing will remove the cleaning agents. Suitable for gold, silver, diamond, platinum jewelry, coins, watches, silverware, and other collectibles.
What the study does—and does not—establish
- It offers a proposed mechanism: ReaxFF molecular-dynamics simulations indicate that sulfur dissociation and silver transport can account for faster sulfide formation and growth than oxide formation.
- It is not a treatment test: The report gives no numerical performance result for a coating, cleaner, storage method or other consumer intervention.
- It does not make tarnish inevitable in every setting: The explanation concerns modeled atomic-scale reactions, not a quantified prediction of how quickly a particular silver item will tarnish in a particular environment.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
