Old things tarnish

They lose luster.

A hose nozzle left in the sun, snow, and rain all year will corrode because the metal oxidizes. And like all our other products we’ve owned, it will need a replacement before long.

The Statue of Liberty’s green patina is an oxidized tarnish. The copper lost electrons to the air and formed a green film layer after 30 years. The thin, oxidized layer is a type of corrosion, but the copper beneath is preserved.

Some people force a patina (not rust) on their kitchen knives with vinegar. Since it oxidizes the knife, there’s less chance of it rusting. The patina won’t rub onto food and the knife will be a little stronger.

Something that looks old can still play an important role. It may work even better.