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Tarnish

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tarnish [′tär·nish]
(metallurgy)
Discoloration of a metal surface due to the formation of a thin film of oxide, sulfide, or some other corrosion product.
(mineralogy)
The altered color and luster of a mineral surface; characteristic of copper-bearing minerals.

tarnish
An oxide layer on a metal surface that causes it to dull, often discoloring it.

Tarnish 

the variegated, often iridescent, coloring of a thin surface layer of a mineral, differing sharply from the color of the rest of the mineral. Tarnish is caused by the presence, on the surface of the mineral grains, of a thin film formed as a result of the alteration of the mineral, for example, under exposure to oxygen. The film often produces an iridescent effect. Tarnish is typical of bornite, chalcopyrite, limonite, and other minerals. It is not observed on a fresh surface of mineral breakage.



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If momentary rays of glory break forth from the gloom, while they dazzle us with a transient and fleeting brilliancy, they at the same time admonish us to lament that the vices of government should pervert the direction and tarnish the lustre of those bright talents and exalted endowments for which the favored soils that produced them have been so justly celebrated.
He had about him, he says, a trusty plaid; an old and valued travelling companion and comforter; upon which the rains had descended, and the snows and winds beaten, without further effect than somewhat to tarnish its primitive lustre.
Alan was well enough pleased to see his finery so fully remembered and set down; only when he came to the word tarnish, he looked upon his lace like one a little mortified.
 
 
 
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