The question of whether real gold turns skin green is a common one, often fueled by misconceptions about the metal and its interactions with the body. The short answer is: pure, 24-karat gold generally will not turn your skin green. However, many jewelry pieces aren't made of pure gold, leading to the confusion. Let's delve into the science behind this and clear up some common misunderstandings.
Why Some Gold Jewelry Turns Skin Green
While pure gold is inert and hypoallergenic, most gold jewelry isn't 24-karat. Instead, it's an alloy, meaning it's mixed with other metals like copper, silver, or nickel to increase its durability and lower its cost. It's these alloying metals, not the gold itself, that are most likely to cause a green discoloration on your skin.
These metals can react with your body's sweat and oils, a process called oxidation. This reaction results in a green, or sometimes black or other discoloration, on the skin. This isn't the gold changing color; it's the other metals in the alloy transferring their oxidized compounds onto your skin.
What About Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Gold-plated jewelry presents a different scenario altogether. This type of jewelry has a thin layer of gold applied over a base metal (often copper, brass, or silver). The gold layer is quite thin, and if it wears away, the base metal underneath is exposed, leading to the same oxidation reaction as with gold alloys, resulting in skin discoloration.
How Can I Tell If My Gold Jewelry Is Real?
Several methods can help you determine the authenticity of your gold jewelry:
- Hallmarking: Look for a hallmark stamped on the piece, indicating its karat (e.g., 18k, 14k). This marking is a legal requirement in many countries.
- Acid Test: A jeweler can perform an acid test to verify the gold's karat. This test involves applying acid to a small, inconspicuous area of the jewelry to check its reaction.
- Density Test: Gold has a high density. A jeweler can use this property to verify the authenticity of a piece.
- Magnet Test: Gold is not magnetic, so if a magnet sticks to your jewelry, it's likely not pure gold. However, note that some alloys might be only slightly magnetic, so this isn't a foolproof method.
What Can I Do If My Jewelry Turns My Skin Green?
If your jewelry turns your skin green, the best approach is to:
- Clean your jewelry: Regularly cleaning your jewelry can help remove accumulated sweat and oils that contribute to the oxidation process.
- Switch to hypoallergenic jewelry: If you are particularly sensitive to certain metals, consider wearing hypoallergenic jewelry made from pure gold or platinum.
- Apply a clear coat: Some jewelry can be treated with a clear coat sealant which can help prevent oxidation. However, this should be done by a professional.
- Consult a dermatologist: If you experience an allergic reaction beyond discoloration, seek professional medical advice.
Is it an allergy?
While not technically an allergy to gold, skin discoloration can be a reaction to the other metals in the alloy. A true allergic reaction will present with more significant symptoms than just discoloration, such as itching, redness, swelling, or blisters. If you experience these, consult a dermatologist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
In summary, while pure gold won't turn your skin green, the metals often combined with gold in jewelry can. Understanding the difference between pure gold and gold alloys is key to avoiding this common misconception. If you are concerned about skin discoloration, investigate the metal composition of your jewelry and consider options to mitigate potential reactions.
