Magnetic Copper Bangle - Assorted

Wearing copper bracelets for medicinal benefits has a long history, all the way back to ancient Egypt. Proposed benefits focus on reducing joint inflammation and easing pain. Researchers attribute the benefits of copper bracelets to the absorption of trace minerals into the bloodstream. Microminerals of iron and zinc, present in the copper, combine with sweat on the skin. From there, the body absorbs these minerals, adjusting any deficiency. A low constant dosage of these microminerals in the blood provides immediate and long-term benefits for tissues an joints.

Promoters say magnetic bracelets work because certain cells and tissues in the body emit electromagnetic impulses. Theoretically, when disease or injury hampers their flow, magnetic energy can rectify the imbalance and reestablish health.

Pure copper is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. It appears pinkish-orange when freshly exposed. Copper has been used by humans for thousands of years because it is one of the few metals that can occur in nature in a directly usable form. The salts produced by copper will colour other minerals blue or green, such as azurite and malachite. This mineral is also essential to all living organisms as a trace dietary mineral.; It is found mainly in the liver, muscles, and bones. Copper-containing rock, or copper ore, holds only a small percentage of copper.

As a conductor of energy, when used with earthly crystals, it is said to intensify, enhance and channel their properties.

How does copper react with my skin and other elements and how do I best care for it? Copper is a versatile metal used in thousands of everyday products. The most commonly seen chemical reaction that occurs to copper is oxidation. When copper is exposed to air, it results in the surface darkening and flaking or it forms a distinctive blue / green coating known as patina. Additionally, water --- especially salt water --- heat and acidic compounds can also induce corrosion. These reactions also affect copper carbonates such as brass or bronze. This is especially true when contact with anything acidic in nature occurs (e.g. vinegar, ascetic acid, soaps, lotions and makeup).

Many people wear copper bracelets because of their beauty and / or healing properties, but after you wear one for a while, the skin beneath the copper may turn green. The colour change occurs as a normal reaction to the prolonged copper exposure on the skin, typically caused by oxidation. The green colour fades when you stop wearing the copper, and it is not harmful to your health.

While many people choose to wear copper directly on their skin for healing benefits, those who wear it simply for adornment can seal the copper to prevent skin discoloration. Apply clear nail polish to the inner surface of the copper. This creates a barrier between the acids in your skin and the copper surface. Repeat the treatment periodically, as the clear polish wears away because of friction. If you have highly acidic skin or skin products, it might not work at all. For a slightly stronger, longer-lasting barrier, apply car wax to the inside of the bracelet, and buff it off per the package's instructions.
 

How to Clean Copper

After doing some research on how to clean copper, Cheryl took an afternoon and conducted 5 tests using household ingredients. Here are the 5 tests that she conducted and the brief description of the results.
 

Lemon Juice and Salt

Mix together 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp salt. Rub onto the components with your fingers or a cloth. Rinse with warm water and drv.
Results: This technique brightened the copper quite quickly and easily. Very little rubbing was needed.
 

Submerge in Vinegar and Salt

Mix together 1 cup white vinegar and 1 tbsp salt. For best results, submerge the tarnished copper into the solution for 5 minutes.
Results: Removed tarnish nicely.
 

Boil in Vinegar and Salt

Mix together 1 cup white vinegar and 1 tbsp salt in a medium sized pan and submerge the copper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for 60 seconds. Remove, rinse and dry.
Results: I was blown away by the results. This brightened the copper quite well. I declare this as the winner.
 

Baking Soda and Salt

Cover the inside of a bowl with aluminum foil. Pour 1 tbsp baking soda and 1 tbsp salt into the bowl. Fill half way with hot water. Mix contents and submerge the copper for 10 minutes. Rinse and dry.
Results: This technique removed a little of the tarnishing; however it seems to be less effective than the other methods.
 

Ketchup and Water

Lightly cover the copper with ketchup and let sit for a few minutes. Rub vigorously with a non-scratch pad or cloth. Wash with water and dry.
Results: This technique was also a surprise. I used a paper towel for the wiping and rubbing. The bracelet brightened up very well and with very little rubbing.
 

Final Observations from Cheryl

All of the tests worked to clean the copper and remove the darkening, but the copper soon returned to its tarnished state. Copper just naturally does that, dang it! In order to keep the copper plating bright, you will want to apply a coating to prevent the copper from tarnishing.