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How to Identify Silver

Silver is a naturally occurring metal, exhibiting a white brilliancy and high electrical and the highest thermal conductivity. Silver is most often found in a gold alloy ore and is also extracted as a byproduct in the processing of copper, nickel and zinc. Silver is commonly used in currency, jewelry and silverware. The pure metal is combined with copper to decrease ductility. However, the alloy must contain at least 92.5 percent silver to be labeled as such.

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass (optional)
Cloth
Baking soda or toothpaste
Nitric acid

Instructions

- 1
  Sterling silver jewelry and silverware should be stamped with the words "sterling," "ster," "sterling silver," or "925." Look on the clasp or underside of item to find these markings. If the piece does not have any of these markings, it is likely silver plated.
- 2
  Apply a magnet to the suspected silver. If the magnet sticks, the piece contains high amounts of iron and is not silver.
- 3
  Silver develops silver sulfide on its surface from exposure to hydrogen sulfide in the air. If the suspected silver appears to have this tarnish, rub it with a cloth or clean the tarnish with a baking soda paste, such as toothpaste. You should see a fine luster appear and the cloth used to clean it should exhibit black marks if it is true silver.
- 4
  Put on protective gloves and place a drop of nitric acid on the piece. If the spot becomes green, it has a high copper content and is not silver.

Rocks & Minerals