patinas

Bronze's green films

Patinas is the plural of patina, the greenish film that forms on copper or bronze through oxidation, or more broadly, any surface appearance that develops with age and exposure.

The word often carries connotations of value through aging: The antiques had developed rich patinas over the centuries.

Figuratively, patinas can describe accumulated qualities that lend character: patinas of respectability, patinas of sophistication.

oxidation

rust

Iron oxide coating

corrosionChemical wearing away
tarnishOxidation discoloration on metal
verdigrisCopper oxidation's green crust

weathering · discoloration · copper · bronze · bluing · browning · reactive · chemical · chloride · acetate

artistic

sculpture

Shaped three-dimensional art

statueThree-dimensional sculpted likeness
bronzeCopper-tin alloy
antiquityGreat age, ancient era

restoration · gilding · museum · gallery · collector · masterpiece · foundry · casting · bas-relief · ornamental

texture

sheen

Soft surface luster

matteNon-reflective surface finish
glossySmooth and shiny
burnishedPolished by rubbing

brushed · polished · satin · lustrous · iridescent · smoothness · roughness · grain · surface · finish

aged

antique

Old valued collectible

vintageQuality from past eras
weatheredEroded by exposure
time-wornEroded by age

heirloom · heritage · nostalgic · timeless · historic · relic · classic · bygone · traditional · old-fashioned

patinas

rust

sculpture

sheen

antique

patinas

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