The Art of Anodizing: The Science Behind Colorful Titanium and Niobium Jewelry
What Is Anodizing?
If you’ve ever admired the colorful hues of titanium or niobium jewelry, you’ve seen anodization in action! Unlike paint or coatings, anodization is an electrochemical process that changes the color of metal without adding anything to the surface. Instead, it alters the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the jewelry, affecting how light interacts with it—kind of like how an oil slick or soap bubble creates shifting colors.
How Anodization Works
Titanium and niobium naturally form a thin oxide layer when exposed to oxygen. During anodization, an electrical current increases the thickness of this layer, which changes the way light reflects off the surface. Different thicknesses create different colors! Fun fact: anodizing does have one limitation—true red or black hues are not possible to achieve through this process.
Since the color is part of the metal itself (not a coating or dye), it won’t chip or peel like plated jewelry. Over time, anodized colors may fade due to body chemistry, friction, or cleaning products, but this does not affect the safety of the jewelry—just its appearance. If you ever want to refresh the color, the piece can be re-anodized!
Is Anodized Jewelry Safe?
Absolutely! The oxide layers on titanium (titanium dioxide) and niobium (niobium oxide) are:
✅ Biocompatible – Safe for fresh and healed piercings.
✅ Durable – Won’t chip or peel.
✅ Non-toxic – No harmful chemicals or coatings involved.
Black Niobium: What’s Different?
If you love black jewelry, you might have heard of black niobium. Unlike colorful anodization, black niobium is created through heat oxidation, where extreme heat thickens the oxide layer enough to absorb light instead of reflecting it. The result? A deep, solid black finish that is a long-lasting and biocompatible choice for body jewelry.
Why Choose Anodized Jewelry?
Customizable Colors – From blues and purples to golds and greens, anodization allows for a variety of shades.
Long-Lasting & Safe – Even if the color fades, the jewelry remains safe and functional.
No Harsh Coatings – Nothing artificial is added—just science at work!
Whether you’re looking for a vibrant color or a sleek black finish, anodized titanium and niobium offer a safe, stunning, and durable option for body jewelry. If you ever have questions or want to refresh the color of your niobium or titanium jewelry, we’re happy to help!
