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

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.

tarnish

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

References in periodicals archive ?

The main compound in packaging causing silver to tarnish or stain is usually reducible sulphur.

The most common tarnishing accelerants of jewellery

However not the hours it took to keep them tarnish free.

Finally, a shine that lasts: miracle polish ends struggle with tarnishing metals

MIAMI -- Jewelry designer and founder of Tarnish Jewels Debi Wechsler launches a stunning summer collection for 2011, crafting bold and innovative jewelry accents for this years hottest fashion trends.

Tarnish Jewels Launches Highly Anticipated Collection of Unique One of a Kind Pieces for Summer 2011

The sodium solution should draw the tarnish off the cutlery and it will be attracted onto the foil.

Handy Hints

According to US website Hollyscoop, Pine called it quits because he believed his love life would tarnish his image.

Chris Pine 'dumps' Audrina Patridge

VALENCIA -- Terence Scott entered the year as one of the more sought after recruits on the West Coast, and the College of the Canyons sophomore has done little to tarnish his reputation with his consistent play this season for the Cougars.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SOPHOMORE SHINES ON CANYONS TEAM

As students are being spurred to new levels of academic achievement and required to pass stringent Regents exams to get their high school diplomas, many schools are trying to get rid of those who may tarnish the schools' statistics," explain Tamar Lewin and Jennifer Medina of The New York Times, "many students are being counseled or forced to leave.

The art of redefinition

Of course, the White House recognized that the debt limit increase would tarnish Mr.

Downplaying debt limit increase. (Insider Report)

And it can either enhance a good first impression or tarnish it.

Put your best voice forward

If male beauty is an old silver thing, Klein never removes its tarnish entirely; he likes its dissolution, its mess.

Flash track

What these employers do is severely tarnish the reputation of the fired employee.

Shegerian & Associates Founder Urges California Employees to Take Notice of "Defamation Laws"

Rajasekhar Reddy headed the government, Jaganmohan's own party was caught by surprise after which he reacted in typical style, predicting divine retribution against those trying to tarnish the image of his father.