[Jewelry making - Article 00317] - Re: [Orchid] Advising customer how to clean silver

[The Doctor]

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>         Maybe this has been discussed before and I will look at
>     previous posts but what exactly is happening in the liquid with the
>     aluminum foil that causes it to remove tarnish without being a
>     harsh chemical? 

    I don't have a chemistry background either Grace, but I think I can
    explain at least part of it. Washing Soda is Sodium Carbonate, an
    alkaline substance. Alkalis attack aluminum and, if I remember
    correctly, will release hydrogen gas from the tarnish sulfides when
    put in solution together. This chemical action is what removes the
    sulfide tarnish from sterling silver, but won't attack most common
    gem materials. I also remember that the silver must be in contact
    with the aluminum for this to work, and the reaction we need takes
    place on the surface of the silver. Chemistry aficionados please
    correct me if I'm wrong. 

    I remember someone mentioning that steel and hematite will react
    unfavorably to this treatment, so "caveat gluteus maximus" on those
    materials. 

James in SoFl

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