My Red Ink Is Now Green! What Happened?

[Brianm_14]

I'd be quite surprised if a microorganism was not responsible for both the loss of the red color and the production of the gas (which has a telltale cheesy odor as well). The red dye may also have lost it's hue if the organism produced something (likely an acid) as a byproduct which changed the pH. In any case, the biocide certainly was inadequate and ink and bottle are only fit for disposal ASAP.

Edited March 15, 2019 by Brianm_14

[Houston]

I'd be quite surprised if a microorganism was not responsible for both the loss of the red color and the production of the gas (which has a telltale cheesy odor as well). The red dye may also have lost it's hue if the organism produced something (likely an acid) as a byproduct which changed the pH. In any case, the biocide certainly was inadequate and ink and bottle are only fit for disposal ASAP.

 

That might have been the case for the OP. I can safely say it wasn't the case for mine. There was no noticeable release of gas when I opened the bottle, and there is no abnormal smell. So, although micro-beasties may well be a reasonable explanation -- and might have been the cause of the experience that kicked off this whole post -- there's no indication they're the culprit in my case.

[Astronymus]

As there is no rank smell and no indication of biofilms I would suspect that this was a purely chemical reaction. Even without a biological component a solution like ink can tip over and oxidize or have ingredients react with each other over time.

 

Same with expired food. The expiry date on products not just discribes the date it becomes foul and you "die" if you eat it. It also might indicates a date on which the food would have suffered from chemical reactions and won't taste good any more even though still edible.

[PhotoJim]

Same with expired food. The expiry date on products not just discribes the date it becomes foul and you "die" if you eat it. It also might indicates a date on which the food would have suffered from chemical reactions and won't taste good any more even though still edible.

 

Food expiry dates really depend on the food. With products like bread, it's probably pretty accurate - in fact, I find I don't like bread that's close to (but still before) its expiry date; I prefer it fresh. Milk products depend on whether your country uses best-before or sell-by dates (the latter are earlier than the former) but in either case, milk products well stored can last beyond their expected normal lifespan - good storage helps, and the less time the package (e.g. a jug of milk) was open, the more likely the product will still be good for several days afterward. Canned and sealed bottled goods can be perfectly safe to eat for many years beyond their expiry dates. I recently found some 2015-expired chicken noodle soup in our basement and have eaten it up - it tasted good, but the noodles had become less firm because of the extended storage. Still, the food was perfectly safe and healthy.

 

It would be rare that food becomes dangerous on its expiry date. It will become increasingly less appetizing. But generally, your nose and your eyes will tell you if the food is dangerous to consume.

 

I think the same applies to ink. If my ink is releasing gas when I open it, a chemical reaction has occurred and I can no longer trust that ink. If the colour has shifted but it smells and otherwise looks fine, I suspect it is fine - I might not risk my most expensive pens to it, but I wouldn't be averse to giving it a go with a cheap pen.

[Brianm_14]

If my ink is releasing gas when I open it, a chemical reaction has occurred and I can no longer trust that ink. If the colour has shifted but it smells and otherwise looks fine, I suspect it is fine - I might not risk my most expensive pens to it, but I wouldn't be averse to giving it a go with a cheap pen.

Yes, a chemical reaction has definitely occurred, whether set off by microorganisms or simply due to long-term instability of the ink.

[RudraDev]

This definitely goes in my list of 'The most interesting fountain pen stories'

[Astronymus]

Indeed. Especialy as the new color is a quite interesting green.