Surgical Steel vs Titanium
Titanium is better than surgical steel due to its skin friendly and bio-compatibility properties. In fact, it is the most hypoallergenic metal used in jewelry. It is often recommended by practitioners by both regular and first time piercers. Surgical steel is also hypoallergenic and skin friendly, but not as good as titanium.
In this article we will do a full-on comparison of titanium vs surgical steel. This will include answering is surgical steel the same as titanium, does surgical steel turn green and is titanium better than surgical steel for piercings.
Titanium
Titanium is a grayish colored metal known for its lightweight properties. It is relatively a newer metal in jewelry making industry compared to other well known ones like silver and gold.
Although its real color is grayish black, but it can be turned into different colors with help of a chemical process known as anodizing. Buyers can find a variety of colors in titanium including red, purple, green and blue etc.
This also brings a sense of wide range of customization options in terms of colors which are not available in premium metals like gold and 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 property 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. This also saves buyers money as less weight is required to make a ring in titanium.
2. Resistant to Scratching
It is a highly resistant metal towards scratches, damages like scuffs, dents and bumps. In fact, its hardness comes at 6 grade on Mho’s scale which is taken as really good. For example, gold’s hardness falls in between 2.5 to 3 where 1 and 10 are being the softest and hardest respectively. This proves 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 a common problem 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.
Is Surgical Steel the same as Titanium
No, surgical steel and titanium both are different.
Is Titanium better than Surgical steel for Piercings
Yes, titanium is better than surgical steel for piercings due to its skin friendly and lightweight properties. Surgical steel is also good but not as good as titanium.
Surgical Steel
Surgical steel is a type of stainless steel known for its high valued properties like high resistance towards corrosion, durability, and being hypoallergenic. It is a popular choice among first time piercers as it has a very few potential side effects.
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. There are a number of sellers out there dealing in it. So, availability will never be a problem. For example, a ring made in surgical steel an cost about $40 whereas a titanium ring price can be $100.
Does Surgical Steel Turn Green?
No, surgical steel never turn green. It does not have any copper.
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?
Titanium is often recommended by both piercers and medical practitioners for both regular or first time piercing. This is due to the best available hypoallergenic properties being offered by titanium. It is also lightweight, so heaviness of the jewelry is never going to be a problem.
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.
Regardless of this, 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. You can easily get a stainless steel ring for as low as $40 while the same ring in titanium can cost you around $100.
3. Skin Friendliness
Titanium is the better 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 Surgical Steel Good for Piercings?
Yes, surgical steel is good for piercings. Stainless steel can also be a good option in piercing given that your piercer uses high grade stainless steel.
Is there a difference between Surgical Steel and Stainless Steel?
Yes, 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.
Conclusion
Titanium and surgical steel are two of the most popular metals for piercing. They both have skin friendly and bio compatible properties. However, titanium is often recommended for piercing as it also has lightweight properties. This property can be a great feature for ones who don’t like heavy jewelry. Surgical steel can also be used for piercing purpose where only those type should be avoided which have nickel.