Silver is a chemical element. Its chemical symbol is Ag and atomic number is 47.
Silver is a soft, shiny metal that is a good conductor of electricity.
Silver is precious metal that has been used for many years to make fine pieces of jewelry, coins, utensils and various pieces of art.
In modern times silver is also used in dentistry, electronics, photography, mirrors and in a number of industrial applications that make use of its unique properties.
You may have heard of the term sterling sliver, this is the name given to an alloy (combination of metals) that is at least 92.5% silver by weight. The other 7.5% is made up of other metals, usually copper.
Silver is found naturally by itself, as an alloy with gold or in an ore (a rock containing various metals and elements). Silver is often found in copper and lead ores.
The price of silver has fluctuated dramatically over the last century, climbing as demand increases but dropping when large silver deposits are found.
As of November 2009, gold was valued at around 65 times the value of silver by mass.
The word silver is one of the few words in the English language that is nearly impossible to rhyme. Words such as orange, purple, breadth, wolf, depth, angst, gulf, ninth and twelfth are also difficult or impossible to rhyme. While there are some words that do actually rhyme with these examples they are usually very rare or hardly used in the modern English language.
Silver has been coined to use as money since 700 BC.
The term ‘sterling silver’ in reference to the grade .925 silver emerged in England in the 13th century.
In ancient Egypt and Medieval Europe, silver was often more valuable than gold.
Words for silver and money are the same in at least fourteen languages.
Silver iodide has been used in attempts to seed clouds to produce rain.
Most mirrors are backed with aluminum. For a superior quality finish, silver is used because of its high quality reflectivity.
Because of its ability to take the highest polish, silver has a greater reflectivity than even gold!
Mirrors are coated with silver because it reflects nearly all light.
Of all the metals in existence, silver is the best conductor of electricity. Silver is what makes photography possible. Silver halide crystals are present in unexposed film.
In 2003, the UK minted half a million ounces of silver into coins and medals. Silver bearings are used in jet engines because they provide superior performance.
Silver is used in long life batteries. Billions of silver oxide-zinc batteries are in use everyday powering everything from quartz watches to digital cameras.
Silver possesses, it’s working qualities similar to gold but can achieve the most brilliant polish of any metal. To make it durable for jewelry, however, pure silver (999 fineness) is often alloyed with small quantities of copper. In many countries, Sterling Silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) is the standard for Jewelry and has been since the 14th century.
The copper toughens the silver and makes it possible to use silver 925 for decorative and fashionable jewelry.
Throughout the ages, silver jewelry has been associated with magical powers; believed to promote healing, bring good luck and for warding off evil spirits to the wearer. While these beliefs are not part of mainstream thinking today, some people still hold them true.
Silver has always been held in high esteem and displayed as a status symbol since it was mined approx. 4,000 BC in Asia Minor.
By the 18th century, things began to change in Europe and a new fashion fad surfaced: silver buckles appeared on shoes where laces had always been. Although today we generally consider shoe buckles to be functional items, back in the 1700’s, they were a form of jewelry.
Silver jewelry was a significant indicator of status until the very end of the 18th century, because it was limited to a privileged few. It was the Industrial Revolution, through mass manufacturing, which finally made jewelry available to the general population.
Silver’s melting point is 1761 degrees F or 960 degrees C.
Silver is being put into paper used in medical professions because of its antibiotic-like characteristics.
Silver is a dental alloy and used to be used in cavity fillings. Now dentists have clear fillings that do not contain silver.
Silver can be eaten, although it is not advised.
Silver was mentioned in the book of genesis (bible)
The name silver came from the old english word seolfor.
In India, food can be found decorated with a thin layer of silver, known as Varak.
The crystal structure of silver is cubic.
Silver is harder than gold, but softer than copper.
Man learned to separate silver from lead as early as 3,000 B.C. Silver has been mined and prized for its beauty and durability for at least 6,000 years.
Silver has superior bactericidal qualities. Small concentrations of silver or silver salts kill bacteria by chemically affecting the cell membranes, causing them to break down. Bacteria do not develop resistance to silver, as they do to many antibiotics.
Silver is the best conductor of heat of all elements. Its uses in solar panels and automobile rear window defoggers take advantage of this quality.
Silver FAQs: Diving Deep into the World of this Precious Metal
Silver, with its gleaming beauty and diverse uses, has captivated humanity for millennia. Here are some of the most common questions people search about silver, answered in detail:
1. What is silver?
Silver (Ag) is a precious metal, a chemical element found in the periodic table. It is a soft, white, lustrous metal with excellent electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity.
2. Where is silver found?
Silver is a relatively rare element in Earth’s crust. It is typically found in ores, often combined with other metals like lead, copper, and zinc. Silver can also be obtained as a byproduct of mining other metals, particularly copper.
3. What are the different types of silver?
Silver can exist in various forms depending on its purity and composition:
- Fine silver: Also known as .999 silver, this is the purest form of commercially available silver, containing 99.9% silver.
- Sterling silver: The most common type of silver used in jewelry and silverware. It contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% of other metals, usually copper, for added strength and durability.
- Britannia silver: A historical type of silver used in Britain, containing 95.8% silver.
- Coin silver: Typically contains 90% silver, used for making coins in the past.
4. What is silver used for?
Silver has a wide range of applications due to its unique properties:
- Jewelry: A popular metal for creating beautiful and timeless jewelry pieces.
- Silverware: Used for making utensils, plates, and other tableware.
- Electronics: Silver’s conductivity makes it essential for electrical circuits, contacts, and solder.
- Photography: Silver halide crystals are used in traditional photographic film.
- Mirrors: High-quality mirrors often have a reflective coating made of silver.
- Medical applications: Silver has some antimicrobial properties and is used in some medical devices and wound dressings.
- Investment: Silver is considered a precious metal and can be used for investment purposes in the form of bars or coins.
5. What is the difference between silver and stainless steel?
Silver and stainless steel are both commonly used for jewelry, tableware, and other applications, but they have key differences:
- Material: Silver is a precious metal, while stainless steel is an alloy primarily made of iron, chromium, and nickel.
- Appearance: Silver has a warm, white luster, while stainless steel has a cooler, grayish tone.
- Durability: Silver is softer and more prone to scratches than stainless steel.
- Cost: Silver is generally more expensive than stainless steel.
- Care: Silver tarnishes over time and requires regular cleaning, while stainless steel is more resistant to tarnishing.
6. Does silver rust?
Technically, silver doesn’t rust. Rust refers to the oxidation of iron. However, silver can tarnish, which is a surface reaction with atmospheric gases like hydrogen sulfide. This tarnishing creates a dark film on the silver’s surface.
7. How can I clean tarnished silver?
There are several methods for cleaning tarnished silver, depending on the severity of the tarnishing. Here are a few options:
- Silver polish: A commercially available cleaning product specifically formulated for silver.
- Baking soda and water: Create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the silver, and gently buff with a soft cloth.
- Aluminum foil and baking soda: Line a dish with aluminum foil, fill it with warm baking soda water, and immerse the silver. The chemical reaction helps remove tarnish.
8. Is silver a good investment?
The value of silver, like other precious metals, can fluctuate. It can be a part of a diversified investment portfolio, but it’s essential to do your research and understand the risks involved.
9. Where can I buy silver?
Silver can be purchased in various forms from different retailers:
- Jewelry stores: For silver jewelry.
- Department stores: May offer silver tableware and other decorative items.
- Coin shops: Sell silver bullion coins and bars for investment purposes.
- Online retailers: Offer a wide variety of silver products.
10. What are some interesting facts about silver?
- Silver is the best natural conductor of heat and electricity (although some man-made materials can be even better conductors).
- Silver has been used for jewelry and other decorative items for thousands of years, with evidence dating back to ancient civilizations.
- The antimicrobial properties of silver have been known for centuries, and it was used in some medical applications before the development of modern antibiotics.
- Silver was once a more valuable metal than gold. In fact, throughout history, the ratio of silver to gold prices has fluctuated significantly. Silver’s abundance and ease of extraction compared to gold initially made it more common and valuable.
-
The English expression “silver spoon” refers to someone born into a wealthy family. Silverware was a symbol of affluence, as few could afford to have their utensils made from this precious metal.
-
There are myths and legends associated with silver, including the belief that silver bullets or silver cutlery could ward off werewolves and other supernatural creatures.
By understanding the properties, uses, and history of silver, we gain a deeper appreciation for this versatile and fascinating precious metal.
