Why does copper turn your skin green?

Subject: Why does copper turn your skin green?

Date: Fri Aug 14 15:06:16 1998
Posted by Jennifer Frick
Grade level: undergrad
School: University of Pittsburgh
City: Pittsburgh State/Province: PA
Country: No country entered.
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 903125176.Ch

Message:

I have been wearing a copper ring and have noticed that it has turned my skin green (or greenish black). What causes this. I am assuming that it is some sort of reaction between the copper metal and the oils (maybe acids) on my skin. Can you tell me why this happens?

Re: Why does copper turn your skin green?

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