Is silver a metal?

Silver, chemical element of atomic number 47, a white lustrous metal valued for its decorative beauty and electrical conductivity. Silver’s physical and chemical properties are intermediate between those of copper and gold. It is located in Group 11 of the periodic table.

What are the four types of silver?

Silver is a soft, white metal that usually occurs in nature in one of four forms: 1) as a native element; 2) as a primary constituent in silver minerals; 3) as a natural alloy with other metals; and, 4) as a trace to minor constituent in the ores of other metals. Most of the silver produced today is a product of the fourth type of occurrence.

What is sterling silver?

Sterling .925 Silver Sterling is the jewelry quality standard in the United States and most world markets. It is an alloy of 92.5% silver. The remaining 7.5% is usually copper though it is sometimes other metals such as nickel. The other metals in the alloy increase hardness so the material will be more durable.

What is silver used for?

Properties, uses, and occurrence. Silver has the highest known electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals and is used in fabricating printed electrical circuits and as a vapour-deposited coating for electronic conductors; it is also alloyed with such elements as nickel or palladium for use in electrical contacts.