Titanium vs Surgical Steel
In this article we will do a full-on comparison of titanium vs surgical steel. This will include answering the pros and cons of both titanium and surgical steel including what should you buy given your specific circumstances.
Titanium
Titanium is a greyish colored metal known for its lightweight properties. It is a relatively new metal in jewelry making industry compared to other well known metals like silver and gold.
Although its real color is greyish black, but it can be turned into different colors with help of a chemical process known as anodizing. These colors include red, purple, green, blue etc. So, this way buyers can choose color of their like.
This also brings a sense of wide range of customization options which might not be available in more premium metals like gold or silver.
Properties of Titanium
Most popular properties of titanium are:
1. Lightweight
Titanium is a lightweight metal known for its low density. This low density feature is an excellent feature for ones who want to wear light weight jewelry.
For example, a ring weighing 5 grams in gold will only 5 gram will weigh only 1.5 grams in titanium.
2. Resistant to Scratching
It is a highly resistant metal towards scratching, damages like scuffs and dents. In fact, its hardness comes at 6 grade on Mho’s scale where 1 and 10 are being the softest and hardest respectively. This means that titanium will not be easily scratched by daily wear and tear as compared to popular metals like gold and silver.
3. Non-Corrosive
Titanium is one of the few metals which neither corrode nor tarnish. Corrosion is one of the common problems with impure stainless steel and iron jewelry. Whereas, tarnishing brings a big impact on alloys containing high amounts of copper such as sterling silver and low karat gold.
Surgical Steel
Surgical steel is a type of stainless steel known for its highly valued properties like high resistance to corrosion, durability, and hypoallergenic properties in jewelry making. It is a popular choice among first time piercers as it has a very few potential side effects.
Surgical steel is a combination of iron, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. Nickel is typically avoided by most due to its non-hypoallergenic properties.
Properties of Surgical Steel
If you are interested in buying surgical steel jewelry, you must know the following properties.
1. Hypoallergenic
Hypoallergenic means that a metal does not react with skin. Surgical steel is a great example of a hypoallergenic metal. Generally, non-hypoallergenic metals react with sensitive skins leading to allergies or turning them green. Surgical steel is free of such properties.
Sometimes low quality surgical steel jewelry contains minor quantities of nickel which lead to allergies. So, as a buyer you should be wise enough to make sure that you are buying nickel-free surgical steel.
2. Non-Corrosive
Surgical steel does not corrode. This might be one of the biggest advantages which other metals do not provide. Corrosion is a chemical reaction in which metal reacts with moisture in air leading to formation of unwanted dull layer.
Main reason for surgical steel’s non-corrosive nature is its outer chromium layer which never allows iron beneath to react with moisture.
3. Affordable
Surgical steel is a highly affordable metal compared to titanium. It can cost a minimum of 5 times less than what titanium will cost. There are a number of sellers out there dealing in it. So, availability will never be a problem.
Surgical Steel vs Titanium- A Detailed Comparison
Here is a detailed comparison of titanium vs surgical steel.
1. Piercing Properties
So, which metal is better for piercing? Titanium or Surgical steel?
When it comes to normal piercing or even first time piercing, titanium is often recommended. All types of titanium jewelries never react with sensitive skins.
But it does not mean that surgical steel is not great at it. Actually one to two surgical steel types can be somewhat allergic to people with sensitive skin as they can contain nickel. That’s why its better to avoid it.
If you are going to a reputable piercer, then choice of metal will not be a big problem as they will choose only those surgical steel types which do not have any nickel.
2. Cost
As described above, titanium is way more expensive than surgical steel. It can cost as much as 5 times than the price of surgical steel. You can easily get a stainless steel ring for as low as $25 while the same ring in titanium can cost you around $120.
3. Hypoallergenic
Titanium is the most hypoallergenic metal between the two. It is not only the best piercing metal recommended by most of the experts, but also advocated for first time piercers as well. Another benefit of wearing titanium is its lightweight nature which never becomes a burden on piercings.
Surgical steel can also be a good choice for piercing but not as good as titanium.
4. Durability
When it comes to durability, titanium wins the race again. Titanium is highly resistant to both scratches as well as damages. Surgical steel can also be resistant to damages like dents but not better than titanium. Normally, both titanium and surgical steel can withstand your every day wear and tear.
5. Appearance
In appearance, surgical steel is better than titanium. Surgical steel has a whiter lustrous appearance compared to duller grayish appearance of titanium. That’s why if you are someone who wants a shinier and lustrous appearance, surgical steel is the better choice.
6. Customizability
Customizability might be one of the most preferable options for some people. Titanium comes with a lot of different colors. But variety of designs can be a problem as not much jewelers deal with it.
Surgical steel can have a lot of variety in designs from rings to bracelets and necklaces.
What Should You Buy
Choice of the metal ultimately depends on one’s personal preferences and likes. If you are looking for a lightweight metal with a little bit more price than surgical steel, then titanium is for you. Apart, if you are looking for an affordable option with a lot of customization options, then surgical steel is for you.
FAQ’s about Surgical Steel vs Titanium
Here are some FAQ’s about surgical steel vs titanium.
Is Titanium better than Surgical Steel for piercings?
There is not as much difference if you are going to a reputable piercer.
Is there a difference between Surgical Steel and Stainless Steel?
No, surgical steel and stainless steel are not the same. Stainless steel is more broader category of steel whereas surgical steel is a high-grade type of stainless steel designed for body modification.