Brass tarnishes over time and loses its luster and golden gleam. Though it does not rust and is resistant to corrosion, it develops a patina, or greenish layer, over time. This is due to the copper content in the alloy.
Brass contains copper & zinc, minerals essential for the human body. Since ancient times, it is believed that wearing brass jewelry can produce health benefits and reduce copper and zinc deficiency.
Because of the copper content in brass, wearing brass jewelry can sometimes turn your skin green. The reason this occurs is because the metal oxidizes & reacts with the sweat from your body, creating copper chelates. While pure copper cannot be absorbed by your skin, copper chelates can, The excess copper that isn’t absorbed by your skin is what turns your skin green. However, green skin from wearing brass jewelry is not harmful nor is it a permanent stain. The green stains are easily removed with soap & water.