Does Palladium Tarnish?

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Does palladium tarnish or not?

No, palladium does not tarnish because it doesn’t react with oxygen at normal temperatures.

In fact, palladium is a tarnish-resistant metal that retains its shine well, even with wear and scratches.

Below are all the questions people ask about tarnishing palladium + quick answers to them.

Does palladium tarnish or not?
Does palladium tarnish or not?

What is Palladium Tarnish?

Palladium tarnish is actually a patina that develops over time from scratches and wear and tear. Patina gives the palladium item a matte finish, which some people like.

But patina is not the same as tarnish.

Does Palladium-Plated Brass Tarnish?

Yes, palladium-plated brass tarnishes.

The tarnishing happens only when the palladium coating is damaged and the brass is exposed to oxygen, moisture, skin oils and other elements. Brass tarnishes because the coppers within reacts to a form a layer of oxidation.

Palladium-coated brass won’t tarnish when the coating in undamaged and brass is concealed underneath.

Does Palladium Rust or Tarnish?

Palladium neither rusts nor tarnishes. Palladium as a noble metal can’t tarnish. And only iron can oxidize and rust while palladium and other precious metals can’t.

Palladium can corrode though when exposed to harsh chemicals like chlorine, ammonia and bleach (this list is not conclusive).

Does Palladium Tarnish in Water?

No, palladium doesn’t tarnish in water.

Palladium is a noble metal that’s resistant to tarnishing from water or any other substance you throw at it. This means you can safely use water to clean your palladium-made rings, necklaces, chain and bracelets. And if you have IRA-approved palladium bullion at your home you can use water to clean that as well.

Tarnished palladium 950 ring
Tarnished palladium 950 ring- source

Does Palladium Tarnish When Exposed to Vinegar?

No, palladium doesn’t tarnish when exposed to vinegar. Vinegar is only weakly acidic and can’t cause palladium to tarnish. Very strong acids can damage and corrode palladium, but vinegar is weak and in fact you can use it to clean your palladium jewelry.

Does Palladium Tarnish When Exposed to Hydroxide Peroxide?

No, palladium doesn’t tarnish when exposed to hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide causes palladium to undergo surface oxidation, forming a thin layer of palladium oxide (PdO). Palladium Oxide isn’t isn’t palladium tarnish but you won’t be able to easily wipe it off from the surface of your jewelry.

Simple cleaning with a cloth won’t do and you’ll need to go to a professional jeweler to clean your jewelry for you.

Does Palladium Tarnish When Exposed to Nitric Acid?

No, palladium doesn’t tarnish when exposed to nitric acid. Concentrated nitric acid can dissolve and corrode palladium items but it can’t tarnish them because palladium as a noble metal doesn’t tarnish under any circumstance.

Does Palladium Tarnish When Exposed to Lemon Juice?

No, palladium doesn’t tarnish when exposed to lemon juice. Lemon juice is only weakly acidic and can’t cause palladium to tarnish. Very strong acids can damage and corrode palladium, but lemon juice is weak and in fact you can use it to clean your palladium jewelry at home.

Does Pure Palladium Tarnish When Exposed to Moist Air?

No, pure palladium doesn’t tarnish when exposed to moist air.

Pure palladium is resistant to tarnishing in moist air because it doesn’t react with oxygen at standard temperatures.

However, it can tarnish in the presence of oxygen if heated above 800°C. However, in normal circumstances that will never happen.

Does Pure Palladium Tarnish in Chlorine?

No, pure palladium doesn’t tarnish in chlorine..

Palladium is highly resistant to chlorine and most other chemicals, making it a safe choice for jewelry to wear while swimming in chlorinated pools. In fact, you could put chlorine directly on your palladium ring or necklace and it won’t make a dent in it.

Does Palladium Tarnish When Exposed to Bleach?

Palladium doesn’t tarnish when exposed to bleach. Palladium is a noble metal that’s cant tarnish under any circumstance.

However, bleach as a harsh chemical can discolor, damage and corrode palladium jewelry to the point of no return so I don’t advise you apply bleach to your valuable palladium items.

Does Palladium Tarnish When Exposed to Makeup?

No, palladium doesn’t tarnish when exposed to makeup. Palladium is a very durable precious metal and no amount of liquid foundation and makeup powder can cause it to tarnish and lose its inherent luster.

Does Palladium Tarnish or Not (Conclusion)?

Pure palladium will never tarnish. It’s a noble precious metal that can’t be tarnished by water, vinegar, lemon juice, oxygen, alcohol, bleach, nitric acid or any type of strong acid.

Palladium jewelry however can tarnish if the jewelry items are only palladium-coated with base metals susceptible to tarnishing.

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Nikola Roza

Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.

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