University Chemistry ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (8): 203-209.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202508003

• Science Education • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Chemical code of bronze patina

Jiale Bai, Hongsheng Tang, Yaqian Zhou, Tianlong Zhang, Yan Li, Hua Li   

  1. College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, Shaanxi Province, China
  • Received:2025-08-05 Accepted:2025-10-09 Published:2026-08-25
  • Contact: Yaqian Zhou, Tianlong Zhang E-mail:yqzhou@nwu.edu.cn;tlzhang@nwu.edu.cn

Abstract: In the long course of Chinese history, bronze artifacts were once shining treasures cast by artisans from copper and tin, bearing witness to the rise and fall of dynasties. With the passage of time, these ancient artifacts have quietly developed layers of corrosion that vary in color and form, resembling a mottled tapestry woven by the magic of time. These transformations are closely linked to chemistry. By uncovering the reaction mechanisms behind bronze corrosion, not only is a scientific basis provided for artifact authentication, but also targeted strategies for the conservation of cultural relics are proposed. This article, from a chemical perspective, leads everyone to explore the wonderful process of the birth of these colorful rust stains, reveals the chemical reaction codes behind different rust colors, and lays the foundation for the scientific identification and longterm conservation of precious bronze artifacts.

Key words: Bronze artifacts, Copper patina, Chemical reaction, Popularization of science