Given the nature of the chloride ion and its tendency to penetrate the inner layers of the metal, paying attention to it in the field of protection of metal artifacts is of great importance. In this article, the effect of the attacking chloride ion on historical copper and silver-based metals has been discussed, and according to the results of a long-term research project on the pathology of metal artifacts in Iran, various examples of artifacts affected by chloride attacks have been briefly presented and compared. In conducting corrosion studies in the aforementioned project, X-ray imaging, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, and wet and instrumental analysis methods (EDX, XRD, PIXE) were used to analyze the corrosion process. According to the studies conducted, severe pitting corrosion with progressive conditions was observed in the works of the Rasht Museum, as well as corrosion of the tin-rich phase and its simultaneous release as oxide compounds in many of the mirrors in this museum, which in many cases had a starting point under surface sediments when local conditions were provided. This process in the works in museums in southern Iran with high humidity conditions and with chlorides concentrated in the corrosion products has caused the loss of the metal core in many of the works obtained from Hormuz. The concentration and crystallization of chloride in the corrosion layers and the attacks caused by it in the works of the dry regions of Iran, despite periodic humidity or uncontrolled storage conditions after excavation, is the cause of the loss of the metal core of many of the works obtained from Sites such as Sarm, Qoli Darvish, and Sialk have been affected by chloride attacks through different mechanisms, from chloride penetration into the oxide layer to the dissolution and removal of copper from the outer layers. Silver artifacts obtained from different sites have also been affected by chloride attacks, due to the presence of horn silver chloride compounds (Sialk), severe local corrosion (Hormoz), and intermittent copper deposition and the deposition of its chloride salts (Teppeh-e-Hisar).
