What makes a ring turn your finger green?

Rings can turn your finger green for a few reasons:

Oxidation: Rings made from metals like copper or brass undergo a process of oxidation when exposed to oxygen and moisture, forming greenish copper oxide. This reaction is more common in acidic environments, such as on sweaty skin.

Alloys: Some low-quality or nickel-based metals can react with the natural acids on your skin and release nickel ions. These ions come into contact with your sweat and turn the skin underneath your ring green.

Chemicals: Certain chemicals present in some rings can also cause green skin. These chemicals include chlorides, sulfides, and acids, which can dissolve the metal and react with your skin to create a greenish discoloration.

Skin pH: The pH balance of your skin can affect how it reacts with metals. People with acidic skin are more likely to experience green skin from jewelry, especially if the jewelry is made of copper or brass.

The amount of sweat you produce: Sweat can exacerbate the reaction between your skin and the metal, leading to a more noticeable green coloration.

It's worth noting that not everyone who wears metal rings will experience green skin. The occurrence depends on various factors such as the metal type, skin chemistry, exposure to moisture, and individual sensitivities. If you find that a particular ring turns your finger green, you can try cleaning the ring, using a barrier between the ring and your skin, or choosing rings made from different materials such as stainless steel, gold, or titanium.