Does Titanium Tarnish?

Does titanium tarnish? Titanium is considered to be an incredibly tough metal that requires low maintenance.

It is a hard and shiny metal that can handle the stresses of daily use. While titanium is resistant to tarnishing, corrosion, and scratches, it can be susceptible to tarnishing when combined with other metals or alloys.

But, this usually happens after a period of time when the exterior layer begins to fade revealing titanium underneath. Pure titanium in itself will not show any signs of tarnishing or fading.

It is fair to be concerned about your titanium jewelry’s color changes so let us get a deeper and clearer understanding of this means and what to expect while handling titanium jewelry.

What is Titanium?

Mens Stainless Steel Necklace 6mm 22 inch Sturdy Titanium Chain
Source: Amazon

Titanium is a chemical element and is just like gold, silver, and platinum. It is considered to have a silvery gray or white metallic color with a smoky tint that makes it overall very attractive.

It looks similar to platinum but it is slightly darker than white gold and silver.

Titanium was first discovered by William Gregor in Great Britain in 1791 and was named after the Titans from Greek mythology. It is a lightweight and strong metal that is abundantly available on Earth.

It has a low density and high strength, making it perfect to be used for high-performance products. This includes the aerospace industry, automobiles, sports products such as tennis rackets, mobile phones, airplane wings, and of course jewelry.

Unlike gold and other jewelry, titanium does not need to be combined with other metals or alloys to give it shape.

Fascinating Properties of Titanium

TIGRADE 4mm 6mm 8mm 10mm Black Titanium Rings Wedding Band Matte Comfort Fit for Men Women Size 3-15,Black 8MM, Size 9
Tigrade Titanium Ring | Source: Amazon

1. Resistant to Corrosion

Titanium is naturally resistant to corrosion and does not rust. It has a stable and protective layer of titanium dioxide on its surface that forms instantly when it comes in contact with oxygen or moisture.

This oxide layer prevents titanium from corroding which is often caused by pollution or saltwater.

2. Lightweight and Durable

Titanium is as strong as steel but is way lighter in comparison. Being tough and lightweight makes this metal super impressive as it can conveniently be used in airplanes, spacecraft, and missiles.

Be it submarines or rockets, it can handle extreme temperatures ranging from sub-zero to 600 degrees Celsius.

3. Non-toxic

It is a natural element that is biocompatible and is non-toxic and non-allergenic. This means titanium is the safest metal that can even be used inside a human body.

For instance dental implants, joint implants, hip replacements, fractured bones, and more.

4. Great for Sensitive Skin

Titanium is hypoallergenic so people with sensitive skin can wear titanium jewelry without having to worry about skin irritation or any negative reactions of their body.

5. Most Versatile Metal

Titanium is one of the most versatile metals as it can be combined with other metals to further increase its strength and durability. It is used in making pipes, rods, wires, and tubes.

Tesla also used this metal in manufacturing their cars. From jewelry to automotive industries, different kinds of toothpaste, creams, plastics, and in the field of medicine, titanium is considered to be a wonderfully reliable metal that can be used for multiple purposes.

Does Titanium Tarnish or Rust?

The metal itself will not tarnish or change color because of titanium’s natural anti-corrosive nature. When it is exposed to oxygen, titanium forms a thin layer of titanium dioxide that protects the surface from corrosion by iron oxide.

So you will not have to worry about exposing titanium to water, air, pollution, or moisture as it will not rust, corrode, or change color. However, under extreme conditions, if titanium has any additional colored areas or is combined with other alloys only then there are chances of corrosion.

Does Titanium Steel Tarnish?

Feraco Mens Magnetic Bracelet Pain Relief for Arthritis Titanium Steel Magnetic Therapy Bracelet with Double Row 4 Elements Magnets
Source: Amazon

Titanium steel is considered to be highly durable, strong, and resistant to cracking or scratches. Titanium steel is a glossy gray metal that offers high strength and resistance to tarnishing or corrosion.

Titanium is significantly stronger than steel and light in weight, thereby making titanium perfect to be used for jewelry and other purposes.

Does Titanium Rust in Water?

No, pure titanium will not rust in water or when exposed to air or moisture. You can wear your titanium rings, earrings, or other jewelry pieces in the shower or bath without having to worry about titanium losing its shine or color.

Unlike other metals like copper or bronze, titanium will not turn your skin green and is perfectly safe to shower while wearing titanium jewelry.

Does Titanium Change Color?

No, titanium jewelry will not tarnish or change color. As discussed above, if titanium is anodized in different colors like sea green, pink, rose gold, or teal blue, then there are chances for the anodized colors to fade or scratch.

This again will only affect the exterior layers depending on the design of the jewelry. To avoid this, you need to be careful while handling anodized jewelry by maintaining it properly.

If you notice any signs of tarnishing or color changes, then you can take your jewelry to a jeweler to re-anodize it. But when it comes to titanium itself, then the metal will not show any signs of tarnishing.

Does Gold Plated Titanium Tarnish?

Wimious Romantic Heart-Shaped Pendant Diamond-Ring Sweet Rose Gold-Plated Titanium Necklace, Best Gifts for Valentine's Day and Mother's Day and Friends.
Wimious Rose Gold-Plated Titanium Necklace | Source: Amazon

Yes. When a piece of jewelry has plating over it, then over a period of time it can tend to lose its shine or get tarnished. This will result in exposing the titanium underneath which is the base metal.

Be it yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold plating, the plating will lose luster and fade eventually. Plating is similar to a coat of paint where metals or alloys like gold or silver are coated over a base metal (titanium) in jewelry.

The gold layer on the outside of the jewelry will wear out with time. Usually, the plating can last for up to one or two years.

However, you will not have to worry too much about this as you can always go back to a jeweler for a touch-up or re-plating when required.

Is Titanium Better for Piercings?

Titanium is a biocompatible element which means it is hypoallergenic and will not cause any toxic or allergic reaction when exposed to the skin or bodily fluids. This makes titanium a preferred metal for piercings.

Additionally, titanium is often never combined with other metals such as nickel, brass, or copper which makes it extra safe to be worn by people with sensitive skin. Titanium is an incredibly strong, shiny, and lightweight metal that is body-friendly and comfortable to wear, making it a great choice to be used for piercings.

Let us look at a few bright and attractive titanium jewelry pieces that you can add to your collection:

1. Titanium Stud Earrings

Forbidden Body Jewelry 16 g Titanium Internally Threaded CZ Top Flat Back Piercing Stud Earring, Helix, Cartilage, Labret, Monroe for Women or Men (6mm/3mm X2)…
Titanium Piercing Stud Earring | Source: Amazon

This pair of shiny titanium earrings are perfect for ear piercings. They look great and are safe to be used for initial piercings. Made from titanium, these earrings do not contain any nickel or lead. The versatile design makes them ideal for everyday use. When you wear them with dresses, tops, or T-shirts, these earrings will add a subtle touch of glam to your look.

2. Titanium Ring

TIGRADE 4mm 6mm Titanium Ring Cubic Zirconia Engagement Ring Wedding Band Size 3.5 to 13, 4MM, Size 6
Tigrade Titanium Ring | Source: Amazon

This titanium ring with sparkly gems is a gorgeous piece that you can wear for any occasion. It makes a great anniversary gift, valentine’s gift, or just to make your loved one feel special. It is crafted to perfection, lending a classic touch of beauty to it. So if you don’t own a titanium ring yet, go for this one!

3. Titanium Wedding Ring Sets

LOVERSRING Adjustable Size Wedding Ring Sets His and Hers Promise Ring Couples Bridal Sets Women 925 Sterling Silver Round Cz Man Titanium Wedding Bands
Loversring Titanium Wedding Bands | Source: Amazon

This couple ring looks simply outstanding with the glittering crystals, polished finish, and lovely design. This set looks elegant making it perfect for proposals, engagements, or any other special occasion.

Conclusion 

Now that we know all about titanium and how strong and durable it is, you can go ahead and buy titanium jewelry without having to worry about it getting tarnished. It is a sturdy piece of lustrous metal that will last you for years.

It can handle rain, sweat, humidity, and any other extreme temperature without changing color or turning your skin green. It requires very low maintenance and it doesn’t scratch, bend, or fade.

The best part about titanium is how simplistic and attractively elegant it looks! Titanium is one of the most luxurious pieces of jewelry that is worth investing in.

Recent Posts