Tarnish is a thin layer of
corrosion that forms over
copper,
brass,
silver,
aluminum,
magnesium and other similar
metals as their outermost layer undergoes a chemical reaction. Tarnish does not always result from the sole effects of oxygen in the air. For example, silver needs
hydrogen sulfide to tarnish, although it may tarnish with oxygen over time. It often appears as a dull, gray or black film or coating over metal. Tarnish is a surface phenomenon that is self-limiting, unlike
rust. Only the top few layers of the metal react, and the layer of tarnish seals and protects the underlying layers from reacting.