[skrimmful]

Some relatives of mine have rosaries that are changing from silver color to gold color. Anyone have an explanation for how this is happening? I know zinc-plated copper can change to brass in the presence of heat, but there is no heat involved in this case.

Thanks.

[Arkcon]

This phenomena is mentioned quite a bit.  It used to be considered a miraculous event -- silver to gold via prayer.  Most likely, the rosaries are silver plated, over brass.  Counting down the beads, you're wearing off the silver and exposing the brass.  Or possibly, if left alone, the silver is tarnishing to a slightly golden colored oxide coating.

[skrimmful]

I assumed it was tarnishing as well until I saw it. It's not turning slightly yellow, but bright, shiny yellow, every square millimeter...and happens within a matter of minutes. I am not in the least bit religious. I'm just curious what's really going on here. I'm a biologist, my knowledge of chemistry is minimal.