Hobbies And Interests
Elements
The atomic symbol of silver is Ag-Argentum. It's atomic number is 47 and its atomic weight is 107.868. The melting point of silver is 961.78 degrees centigrade with a boiling point of 2162 degrees centigrade. It's classification is a transition metal. Its characteristics are soft, ductile and tarnishes. It has five shells in its atom structure.
Sources
Silver is found in ores in the earth's crust. It can be found in argentite, horn silver, cerargyrite and other sulfides, copper-nickel, lead-zinc and gold. In the sedimentary beds of Mexico, North America and Peru, silver is mined, refined and shipped. These deposits could lie in river beds, at the base of mountains or flood plains. Silver is generally found where flowing water has left deposits.
Silver Purity
The purity of the silver is ascertained through a process known as assay. Silver that is .999 fine shipped in 1,000 oz. bars is known as commercial silver. Pure silver is 1,000 parts fine or 999.5 or more parts per 1,000 parts silver. Silver that is less than .999 fine or 99.9 percent is known as an alloy. An alloy is metal that has been combined through fusion or diffusion with other multiple chemical elements.
Silver Types and Uses
Silver plating is a use of electrolysis to apply a thin layer of pure silver to a surface of a base metal. Well-known products include silver trays, teapots, cups, goblets and christening gifts. Standard silver is sterling silver, 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper, and is used for jewelry and gifts. Pure silver is used in other less known products that are beneficial to our everyday needs. It is used in electrical and thermal processes, as pure silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity in metals. It is reflective, photo-sensitive and wear-resistant. Importantly, it is used in anti-bacterial wound dressings in the medical industry.