Glittering Gold Can Stay Shiny for Centuries. Scientists Say They've Figured Out Why the Precious Metal Is So Resistant to Tarnishing

Article excerpt

Gold's legendary resistance to tarnish has long puzzled scientists, but researchers say they've finally cracked the code. When gold is split or scratched, atoms on its surface rearrange into an exceptionally stable pattern that repels oxygen and other reactive elements in the air. This atomic-level stability explains why ancient gold artifacts maintain their luster for centuries while silver and copper oxidize and dull. The finding, detailed in a new study, reveals the fundamental chemistry behind gold's enduring shimmer and could inform how scientists protect other valuable metals from corrosion.