OK gents,
I did something really stupid. I have a nickel plated lathering bowl that came with a shaving stand that holds my brush and two of my straights. I don't use the bowl for lathering except for when I travel. I got the bright idea to use it to hold my alum block - bad idea. I'm not sure if the nickel tarnished or if the moisture on the alum allowed aluminum to "electroplate" onto the nickel.
Any ideas on how to remove the staining? I tried silver polishing mits to no avail. Thought I'd ask before using a silver polish. I'd imagine the nickel plating is relatively thin.
I'm at work now, but will post a picture this evening when I get home if that would help.
Greg