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Interesting Facts About Silver

Silver is one of those precious metals that intrigues people. From sterling silver to silver objects, there are so many interesting facts about silver. We want to share some of these fascinating facts with you so you appreciate this metal more than ever.

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What Is Silver?

The word silver comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “seolfor.” This is one of the few words in the English language that rhymes with no other word. The latin word for silver is, argentum, which is where the country of Argentina got its name.

Silver is a chemical element that has the chemical symbol Ag and an atomic weight of 47. This metal is soft and lustrous. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to this transition metal. Read on to learn more about these interesting facts, and then visit our page on the history of silver!

Silver Objects Have Been Around Forever

Many people are surprised to learn that silver has been found as far back as 4000 BC. Interestingly, silver was the first metal used as currency.

A Silver Spoon Might Be Good for Your Health

You have likely heard that rich people are born with silver spoons in their mouths. Although no one is literally born with a silver spoon in their mouth, there is something to learn about these spoons.

Silver's germ-killing properties are amazing. Babies were once fed with silver spoons, primarily rich babies. Those who used silver to feed their children had typically healthier babies.

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is a special alloy that contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% of other metals, often copper. This is one of the most popular for making silver jewelry. This silver production process is fascinating and accounts for much of polished silver.

Silver Can Make it Rain

Although this sounds crazy, it is a fact. Silver contains the compound silver iodide. Scientists use this metal for cloud seeding, which is a way to try to control hurricanes.

Scientists use this soft metal to produce rain. When people learn silver facts, they often cannot believe this metal can make rain, but it is true. Out of all the elements, silver is the only one that can change the weather.

Silver Has Amazing Properties

Silver is the best metal on the planet – and we can prove it with our 5 facts about silver. Think about the following:

Silver is the highest thermal conductor and makes the best thermal conductor on the planet.
When you expose this metal to ultraviolet light, it produces a silver ion.
Most of the world's silver has been found in Mexico, Australia, China, Peru, Russia, and Poland.
Silver is one of the seven metals of antiquity.
The boiling point of silver is 3,924°F.

Silver Shortages in History

Although pure silver seems to be in plentiful supply, there have been times in history when the world's supply started to dwindle. There was a reduction in the amount of silver between 1990 and 2007. During this period, silver coins were in short supply.

Silver is Very Soft

Silver is a metal that is very malleable, much like gold. Because it is so soft, Kennedy Half Dollars minted between 1965 and 1970 were made of 40% silver. These silver coins are prized for their collectibility, even over some made from other precious metals.

The Production of Silver Has Become More Efficient Over the Years

Silver is often discovered when zinc mining. Each year, the amount of silver discovered increases. Silver is the most reflective element and is the best electric conductor.

This reflective metal mirrors the visible light spectrum and is used to make solar panels, silver bottles, silver pennies, and much more. Silver is used in many industries, including the medical industry. This valuable metal is also sought by investors who want to diversify their portfolios.

What is Native Silver?

Native silver is primarily found in hydrothermal veins. This incredible metal has been known since antiquity. This metal is often discovered under a black sulfide layer and around zinc ores.

This Metal Gets Around

Silver means shining, and these metals are found in every area of the globe. Ancient civilizations learned quickly that this metal was different from other elements. This metal is excellent for conducting heat and many of the coins minted from silver continue to be in circulation today.

Silver was discovered in Ancient Egypt. The peak value of silver occurred toward the end of the 1970s when it rose to $48.70 per ounce. During this time, gold also peaked at $180.

This Metal is Safe for Humans

Silver is not toxic to humans and is often found in certain foods, medications, and supplements. Silver compounds can be consumed in small amounts and this natural alloy will not cause you physical harm like other metals.

The Process of Separating Silver From Copper

When you separate silver, you must heat the ore enough to liquify the silver, while leaving the other metal in a solid state. Sometimes, silver is found in gold ore.

Folklore and Precious Metal

You very likely have heard of this metal and its supposed ability to kill werewolves. Since these mystical beasts do not exist, we cannot determine if this folklore is accurate or false. It does make for fun conversation.

FAQs About Silver

What are some interesting facts about silver? We have intrigued you with the above information. Some of these facts you may have heard of, but others are likely surprises. The following are some questions people ask.

What is so Special About Silver?

This metal is special because it is one of the first to be discovered by man. It is the most reflective of visible light, even more reflective than gold. This metal reflects 95% of white light.

Silver comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “seolfor,” and you will not find a single word that rhymes with it, unlike gold.

What are 3 Things Silver is Used for?

This metal is used to make jewelry, utensils, and mirrors. You may even find this metal in your rear window.

Who First Discovered Silver?

This metal was first discovered in 3000 BC in Anatolia, which is now known as modern-day Turkey. We do not know who discovered this metal, but finding a single grain would have been fascinating, especially if found with gold.

Invest In This Metal Today

Many people are investing in metals like gold and silver to help them diversify their investment portfolios. While silver is not the most valuable precious metal, now that you know so many facts about this metal, why not start investing today?