What causes silver chopsticks to turn black?

Nowadays, chopsticks are made of various materials, usually wooden chopsticks and stainless steel chopsticks. Some people usually use silver chopsticks because they are elegant and high-end and look more upscale, so many people use them. People often find that even if they are cleaned in time, silver chopsticks will turn black. Not only will they lose their luster, but they will also give people a very unclean feeling. So, what is the reason why silver chopsticks turn black?

There are many materials of chopsticks on the market, including wood, bamboo, stainless steel, alloy, etc., and silver chopsticks are a more traditional type of chopsticks. In ancient times, royal nobles used silver chopsticks to eat, and now there are still many people who like to use silver chopsticks as tableware. Silver chopsticks still occupy a certain market share. However, during use, people will find that silver chopsticks will change color or even turn black. What is the reason for this?

1. Reasons why silver chopsticks change color

Silver chopsticks are made of metallic silver. When exposed to the air, they will oxidize with the sulfur dioxide in the air to form black silver sulfide, causing the color to change. In ancient times, the use of silver needles to test for poison made use of the principle that the silver element would react chemically with a small amount of sulfur and sulfide in arsenic, causing the food to turn black. The silver needle method of testing for poison can only detect the presence of arsenic in food, but cannot test for other poisons that do not contain sulfur. Therefore, the silver needle method of testing for poison has certain defects.

Reasons why silver chopsticks change color

2. Maintenance of silver chopsticks

Silver chopsticks need to be carefully maintained after they change color or even turn black. If the silver chopsticks are not severely oxidized, you can use a soft-bristled brush dipped in toothpaste to scrub the surface of the chopsticks, or soak them in overnight tea or even scrub them with acetic acid. In addition, if the surface of the chopsticks is smooth enough, you can also buy a silver-polishing cloth specially sold on the market to wipe the surface of the chopsticks. Then soak it in silver cleaning water for one or two minutes to restore its bright color. Remember to wipe off any water stains on the surface with a cloth after use.

Maintenance of silver chopsticks

3. Precautions for using silver chopsticks

Because silver will react chemically with sulfide and sulfur and change color, when dining, be careful not to use silver chopsticks if the dishes are likely to react with silver, especially egg yolks, preserved eggs and other dishes.

I believe everyone understands the reason why silver chopsticks change color. Pay attention to the maintenance of silver chopsticks during use to ensure the luster of the silver chopsticks.