AJ,

In all probability, the inlays for that chip are made of a paper-based material, as opposed to a plastic-based material. Just like a newspaper (which starts off as white) turns yellow over time, the degree and rate of change is a function of being exposed to direct sunlight and/or flourescent lighting (as well as other light sources). Halogens are real bad. What is happening is that the UV rays of these light sources cause a chemical reaction in the paper that makes it turn yellow.

Separatel from the affect that UV plays on paper, light will also act on the inks used in printing and over time, ink pigments will fade. Typically, red is first to fade, with yellow close behind.

So, in your example, it appears that the inlay has been exposed to alot of UV light, but the red and yellow inks are not noticably lighter (from your scan). This could mean overexposure to a strong UV light source. (maybe)

Note also that the Paul-Son hat and cane logo, which is printed on the inlay with a UV ink, is a darker yellow than the rest of the paper inlay. I don't know what causes this, but it could be a function of acceleration of the paper yellowing as a function of both the UV ink and exposure to a UV light source.

All-in-all, very interesting, from a scientific stand point. Unfortunately, all of this just means that the chip you have is damaged.

Thanks for showing it.

Jim