The Statue of Liberty: Why is it Green?

The Statue of Liberty and Its Green Color

The Statue of Liberty is green due to a process called oxidation. When copper is exposed to the elements over time, it undergoes a series of chemical reactions that result in the formation of a green outer layer known as a patina. This patina is what gives the Statue of Liberty its iconic green color.

Originally, the Statue of Liberty was a shiny brown color because it was made of copper. However, exposure to the salty sea air, rain, and other environmental factors caused the copper to react with oxygen, moisture, and other elements in the air. This reaction created the patina that now covers the statue and gives it its signature green hue.

The green color of the Statue of Liberty is a result of a chemical change rather than a physical change. This transformation from shiny brown to green is a natural process that occurs over a long period of time due to the materials the statue is made of and its exposure to the elements.