|
What is Silver? Origin / Meaning of the name Silver
The name originates
from the Old English Anglo-Saxon word 'seolfor' meaning silver.
The Symbol Origin is from the Latin word 'argentum' meaning
silver. Argentina was named for this precious metal. Silver was
once referred to as one of the 'Noble Metals' which also
included Gold and
Platinum. Noble Metals were
so called due to their long association with the aristocracy.
What is Silver? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Silver Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States
of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Silver
is classified
as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the
Periodic Table.
Nearly 75%
of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as
metals which are detailed in the
List of Metals.
Elements classified as
Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat.For additional facts and information refer to
Silver Properties.
Facts about the Discovery
and History of the Silver
Element
Silver was discovered was
discovered in Ancient times and used by the ancient South
Americans, Asians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese. It is
mentioned in the Bible. Silver is one of the metals referred to as
one of the 'Metals of Antiquity'. The ancient 'Metals of
Antiquity' together with their approximate dates of discovery
and use are Gold (6000BC),
Copper (9000BC), Silver
(4000BC), Lead (6400BC),
Tin (3000BC),
Iron (1500BC) and
Mercury (1500BC).
What is
Silver? Properties of Silver
A heavy metal of high luster and is an especially good conductor
of heat and electricity. Silver is a heavy, rather soft, white
metal, very ductile and malleable and capable of taking a high
polish. It surpasses all other metals as a conductor of heat and
electricity, but is too costly to find extensive use for such
purposes. It melts at a little lower temperature than
Copper
(961°). It alloys readily with other heavy metals, and when it
is to be used for coinage a small amount of copper, from 8 to
10%, is nearly always melted with it to give it hardness.
It is not acted upon by water or air, but is quickly tarnished
when in contact with sulphur compounds, turning quite black in
time.
What is Silver? Occurrence of the Silver Element
Silver is found in small quantities in the uncombined state;
usually, however, it occurs in combination with sulphur, either
as the sulphide (Ag2S) or as a small constituent of other
sulphides, especially those of
Lead and copper. It is also found
alloyed with
Gold. Silver occurs in nature to some extent in the
free state, but is usually found as a sulphide. Silver ore is
easy to reduce.
Silver ore is found in native form. The other principal sources
of silver are copper, copper-nickel, gold, lead and lead-zinc
ores.
Found in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Australia and the USA.
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe
6×10-8%
% in Sun 1×10-7%
% in Meteorites 0.000014%
% in Earth's Crust 7.9×10-6%
% in Oceans 1×10-8%
% in Humans N/A
Medical Uses of Silver -
Health and Treatments
Interesting information is contained in the following table of Medical Uses
of Silver, Health and Treatments. Silver is used in medicine for its
caustic, astringent, and antiseptic effects.
|
Medical uses of Silver - Health and Treatments |
|
Medical
Disorders |
Medical
Symptoms |
Uses of
Silver & Treatments |
|
Dental / Teeth problems |
Toothache |
Silver dental alloys are
used in soldering and as cones to obliterate the root canal |
|
Conjunctivitis in
newborn babies |
Sore, runny eyes |
Silver nitrate,
absorbed as an antiseptic |
|
Skin infections in
patients resulting from extensive burns or industrial exposure |
Skin problems |
Silver nitrate,
absorbed as an antiseptic |
|
Medical
Disorders |
Medical
Symptoms |
Uses of
Silver & Treatments |
A useful reference
providing information regarding the medical uses of Silver, associated
health issues and disorders and treatments using silver preparations.
Associated Uses of Silver
Precious metal
Coinage
Jewelry
Tableware
Dental alloys
Medicine and Health Care
Silver fulminate is an explosive
Photography |
