r/metallurgy • u/SpecialistAd2933 • 2d ago

Is this a lost cause?

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This crucifix was given to me by a friend. I hadn't worn it in a while and suddenly in the space of two weeks it seems to have stained and I genuinely am puzzled as to how. He says it's silver but I don't know how to tell

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u/aKlezmerPaean 2d ago

It’s just tarnish which is normal for silver. You can look up how to remove tarnish from silver on google. People use a lot of different things. They even make special paste you can get on Amazon. Contact with anything sulfur-rich will make silver tarnish. If you wanted to make sure it’s silver you can take it to a pawn shop or gold and jewelry store and ask to use an XRF if they have it.

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u/SpecialistAd2933 2d ago

Apologies if this is the wrong sub!

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u/Sotamaster 2d ago

get some tarnex/tarnix its a bunch of tarnish removing acids, I used it to remove tarnish. Be gentle and wipe it on with microfiber cloth or cotton ball or something. A paper towel will actually leave scratch marks in silver. It won't take much

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u/Karateka61 17h ago

put it in an aluminum pan with baking soda dissolved in warm water. let it sit for a while the wash it with sopa and water

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u/Temporary_Nebula_729 1d ago

Try some toothpaste

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u/gregzywicki 16h ago

Simplest and most gentle method is to give it a good rub with a microfiber cloth