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Liver of Sulphur is the alchemists' name for a chemical mixture that is produced by heating potassium carbonate with sulphur and was made as long ago as 776AD by the celebrated Arab alchemist Jabir Ibn Hayyan. It is not a true compound but a metastable mixture of potassium polysulphides and potassium sulphate. (K₂S, K₂S₂, K₂S₃, K₂S₄, K₂S₅, K₂SO₄).  Since the end point of the reaction used in Liver of Sulphur production varies from batch to batch, the exact constituents of Liver of Sulphur also vary from batch to batch.

While the range of colours possible in the treatment of silver with Liver of Sulphur is known (pale to deep gold, green, blue, magenta, purple, blue-black) the actual outcome of any single application is highly variable and depends on:

• the composition of the Liver of Sulphur, which can vary within the same batch
• strength of the mixture
• temperature
• the type of water used (distilled or tap water)
• length of time the piece is treated
• composition of the metal being treated (sterling reacts differently from fine silver)

These variables make it virtually impossible to predict or duplicate the outcome unless only the deep blue-black is desired, and it may be necessary to clean the piece and re-apply the treatment to get a satisfactory result.

Liver of Sulphur is affected by light and moisture so has a limited shelf life. The lump form lasts longest (which can be years if it is properly stored), flake form the next longest and the liquid form lasts the shortest time of all. Once made up into a dilute solution it is good only for a few days at best.

The diluted solution of Liver Of Sulphur is no longer useable when it loses both its colour and smell.

Provided the quantity is small, spent solution can be further diluted then  poured down an outside drain, such as the one for your kitchen sink, followed by flushing with generous amounts of water.

How To Use Liver Of Sulphur

Important Safety Information